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

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

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

Along the sutural border of the elytron, the chitinous lamella forms a tubular space within which are numerous glands.

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 Charles Darwin

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

Commonly one then may set the specimen with the left elytron and wing spread.

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

Of these, seven responded to bat attack sequences by swinging their elytra slightly toward the back.

From Science Daily ● May 15, 2024

This caused the beating hind wings to strike the back edges of the elytra, like the two wing pairs were clapping.

From Science Daily ● May 15, 2024

But it’s the way the two different sides of the elytra are connected that was most surprising.

From NewsForKids.net ● Feb. 23, 2024

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 ● Sep. 27, 2023

The pronotum and elytra are often adorned with bright colours or metallic lustre, and marked with stripes or spots.

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