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.

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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′ /

plural

elytra

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

• elytroid adjective
• elytrous adjective

Etymology

Origin of elytron

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

Example Sentences

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 Browne, Montagu

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

It is black with a stripe of yellow on each elytron.

From The Gutenberg Webster's Unabridged Dictionary Section T, U, V, and W by Project Gutenberg

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 Browne, Montagu