elytron

American  

[el-i-tron] / ˈɛl ɪˌtrɒn /

noun

plural

elytra

1. one of the pair of hardened forewings of certain insects, as beetles, forming a protective covering for the posterior or flight wings.

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elytron British  

/ ˈɛlɪˌtrɒn, ˈɛlɪtrəm /

noun

1. either of the horny front wings of beetles and some other insects, which cover and protect the hind wings

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elytron Scientific  

/ ĕl′ĭ-trŏn′ /

plural

elytra

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

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Other Word Forms

• elytroid adjective
• elytrous adjective

Etymology

Origin of elytron

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

Example Sentences

Elytra yellowish red, tip and a large oblong spot on each black, the spot not reaching either margin of the elytron; under side of abdomen covered with silky hairs.

From Discoveries in Australia, Volume 1. With an Account of the Coasts and Rivers Explored and Surveyed During The Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, in the Years 1837-38-39-40-41-42-43. By Command of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Also a Narrative Of Captain Owen Stanley's Visits to the Islands in the Arafura Sea. by Stokes, John Lort

Elytra with many punctures arranged indistinctly in lines, brownish yellow, the suture, tip and extreme edge of each elytron narrowly margined with brown; scutellum yellowish, black at the base and tip.

From Discoveries in Australia, Volume 1. With an Account of the Coasts and Rivers Explored and Surveyed During The Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, in the Years 1837-38-39-40-41-42-43. By Command of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Also a Narrative Of Captain Owen Stanley's Visits to the Islands in the Arafura Sea. by Stokes, John Lort

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

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 6 "Cockaigne" to "Columbus, Christopher" by Various

Their angles were as sharp as ever, and they did not differ in appearance from the other wing and elytron of the same insect which had been left in water.

From Insectivorous Plants by Darwin, Charles

The wing, when not in use, is folded both lengthwise and transversely, and doubled up beneath the elytron; to permit the transverse folding, the longitudinal nervures are interrupted.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 6 "Cockaigne" to "Columbus, Christopher" by Various