elytron

American  

[el-i-tron] / ˈɛl ɪˌtrɒn /

noun

• elytra
  plural

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′ /

• elytra
  plural

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

Derived Forms

• elytroid
  adjective
• elytrous
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• elytra
  plural

Etymology

Origin of elytron

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

elytron elytra

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 John Lort Stokes

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

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

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

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

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 Phillip Parker King

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 Montagu Browne

This beetle has prominent white bands of hair on its elytra and across much of its body.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 4, 2026

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

From Science Daily ● May 15, 2024

The hard shells of the elytra grew together in the center of the DIB’s back.

From NewsForKids.net ● Feb. 23, 2024

But it was missing one of the animal’s defining characteristics: the tough forewing casing known to scientists as the elytra.

From New York Times ● Jul. 8, 2023

It is not a voice that the crickets utter, but a regular vibration of musical chords, produced by nibbing the nervures of the elytra against a sort of network intended to produce the vibrations.

From Rambles of a Naturalist by John D. Godman