elytra
[ el-i-truh ]
/ ˈɛl ɪ trə /
noun
plural of elytron.
Words nearby elytra
Definition for elytra (2 of 3)
elytron
[ 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.
Also called
wing case,
wing cover.
Origin of elytron
1745–55; < New Latin < Greek
élytron a covering
OTHER WORDS FROM elytron
el·y·trous [el-i-truh s] /ˈɛl ɪ trəs/, adjectiveDefinition for elytra (3 of 3)
elytrum
[ el-i-truh m ]
/ ˈɛl ɪ trəm /
noun, plural el·y·tra [el-i-truh] /ˈɛl ɪ trə/. Obsolete.
Origin of elytrum
Latinized variant of
elytron
Example sentences from the Web for elytra
British Dictionary definitions for elytra
elytron
elytrum (ˈɛlɪtrəm)
/ (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 forms of elytron
elytroid or elytrous, adjectiveWord Origin for elytron
C18: from Greek
elutron sheath, covering
Scientific definitions for elytra
elytron
[ ĕl′ĭ-trŏn′ ]
Plural elytra
Either of the modified forewings of a beetle or related insect that encase the thin hind wings used in flight.