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 /

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sometimes the glands are found beneath the disk of the elytron, opening by pores on the surface.

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

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

From Science Daily ● Aug. 4, 2026

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

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

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

These 379ribs are scraped by the posterior margins of the elytra, a small portion of which projects beyond the general outline.

From The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, Vol. I by Charles Darwin