Advertisement

Advertisement

elytron

[ el-i-tron ]

noun

, plural el·y·tra [el, -i-tr, uh].
  1. one of the pair of hardened forewings of certain insects, as beetles, forming a protective covering for the posterior or flight wings.


elytron

/ ˈɛlɪˌtrɒn; ˈɛlɪtrəm /

noun

  1. either of the horny front wings of beetles and some other insects, which cover and protect the hind wings
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


elytron

/ ĕlĭ-trŏn′ /

, Plural elytra

  1. Either of the modified forewings of a beetle or related insect that encase the thin hind wings used in flight.


Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˈelyˌtroid, adjective
Discover More

Other Words From

  • el·y·trous [el, -i-tr, uh, s], adjective
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of elytron1

1745–55; < New Latin < Greek élytron a covering
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of elytron1

C18: from Greek elutron sheath, covering
Discover More

Example Sentences

It is black, hairy, with a large yellowish spot at the base of each elytron, and two transverse bands of the same colour.

Complicant: when one elytron extends over the other and partially covers it.

Axis: a small process at base of elytron, upon which it turns.

Sometimes the glands are found beneath the disk of the elytron, opening by pores on the surface.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


elytroidelytrum