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elytron

[ el-i-tron ]
/ ˈɛl ɪˌtrɒn /
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noun, plural el·y·tra [el-i-truh]. /ˈɛl ɪ trə/.
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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Also called wing case, wing cover.

Origin of elytron

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

OTHER WORDS FROM elytron

el·y·trous [el-i-truhs], /ˈɛl ɪ trəs/, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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British Dictionary definitions for elytron

elytron

elytrum (ˈɛlɪtrəm)

/ (ˈɛlɪˌtrɒn) /

noun plural -tra (-trə)
either of the horny front wings of beetles and some other insects, which cover and protect the hind wings

Derived forms of elytron

elytroid or elytrous, adjective

Word Origin for elytron

C18: from Greek elutron sheath, covering
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

Scientific definitions for elytron

elytron
[ ĕlĭ-trŏn′ ]

Plural elytra
Either of the modified forewings of a beetle or related insect that encase the thin hind wings used in flight.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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