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

elytron

/ 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.

Derived Forms

• ˈelyˌtroid, adjective

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of elytron¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of elytron¹

C18: from Greek elutron sheath, covering

Example Sentences

The elytra, which formerly covered the wings, are protective and don't help with flight.

From Science Daily

Their delicate wings are usually kept hidden under two hard moveable wing-like shells called elytra.

From NewsForKids.net

One early idea that was proposed as an explanation is that beetles have hardened forewings, called elytra, that form a protective capsule over their flight wings.

From Scientific American

But there are more than a half-million known beetle species, and until now, all have had at least some form of hard forewing elytra.

From New York Times

The elytra stabilize the beetle and its churning wings, preventing it from spinning.

From Scientific American