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.

---

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

---

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.

---

Other Word Forms

• elytroid
  adjective
• elytrous
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of elytron

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

Example Sentences

The elytron, however, had evidently yielded some nutritious matter, for the leaf remained clasped over it for four days; whereas the leaves with bits of the true wing re-expanded on the second day.

From Insectivorous Plants by Darwin, Charles

This is also not a true Rhynchaenus, but is a very singular insect in appearance, as the acute spine, which rises from each elytron, appears to be its peculiar defence against entomological collectors.

From Narrative of a Survey of the Intertropical and Western Coasts of Australia Performed between the years 1818 and 1822 — Volume 2 by King, Phillip Parker

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

When setting beetles or the like, this usually means pinning them through the right elytron.

From Practical Taxidermy A manual of instruction to the amateur in collecting, preserving, and setting up natural history specimens of all kinds. To which is added a chapter upon the pictorial arrangement of museums. With additional instructions in modelling and artistic taxidermy. by Browne, Montagu

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

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.