imago

imago /ima·go/ (i-ma´go) pl. ima´goes, ima´gines   [L.]

1. the adult or definitive form of an insect.

2. a usually idealized, unconscious mental image of a key person in one's early life.

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i·ma·go (-mg, -mä-)

n. pl. i·ma·goes or i·ma·gi·nes (-g-nz)

1. An insect in its sexually mature adult stage after metamorphosis.

2. An often idealized image of a person, usually a parent, formed in childhood and persisting unconsciously into adulthood.

3. See archetype.

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imago

pl. imagoes, imagines [L.] the adult or definitive form of an insect.