elytron
Americannoun
plural
elytra-
one of the pair of hardened forewings of certain insects, as beetles, forming a protective covering for the posterior or flight wings.
noun
-
either of the horny front wings of beetles and some other insects, which cover and protect the hind wings
plural
elytra-
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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.
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 is also not a true Rhynchaenus, but is a very singular insect in appearance, as the acute spine, which rises from each elytron, appears to be its peculiar defence against entomological collectors.
From Narrative of a Survey of the Intertropical and Western Coasts of Australia Performed between the years 1818 and 1822 — Volume 2 by King, Phillip Parker
Elytra with many punctures arranged indistinctly in lines, brownish yellow, the suture, tip and extreme edge of each elytron narrowly margined with brown; scutellum yellowish, black at the base and tip.
Their angles were as sharp as ever, and they did not differ in appearance from the other wing and elytron of the same insect which had been left in water.
From Insectivorous Plants by Darwin, Charles
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