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

From Science Daily

Their delicate wings are usually kept hidden under two hard moveable wing-like shells called elytra.

From NewsForKids.net

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

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

The elytra stabilize the beetle and its churning wings, preventing it from spinning.

From Scientific American