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

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

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 Stokes, John Lort

Axis: a small process at base of elytron, upon which it turns.

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

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

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