[ el-i-tron ]
/ ˈɛl ɪˌtrɒn /
noun, plural el·y·tra [el-i-truh] /ˈɛl ɪ trə/.
one of the pair of hardened forewings of certain insects, as beetles, forming a protective covering for the posterior or flight wings.
Origin of elytron
1745–55; < New Latin < Greek élytron a covering
Also called wing case, wing cover.
Related formsel·y·trous [el-i-truh s] /ˈɛl ɪ trəs/, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for elytron
Sometimes the glands are found beneath the disk of the elytron, opening by pores on the surface.
Axis: a small process at base of elytron, upon which it turns.
Complicant: when one elytron extends over the other and partially covers it.
British Dictionary definitions for elytron
/ (ˈɛlɪˌtrɒn) /
noun plural -tra (-trə)
either of the horny front wings of beetles and some other insects, which cover and protect the hind wings
Derived Formselytroid or elytrous, adjective
Word Origin for elytron
C18: from Greek elutron sheath, covering
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Science definitions for elytron
[ ĕl′ĭ-trŏn′ ]
Either of the modified forewings of a beetle or related insect that encase the thin hind wings used in flight.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.