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/, adjective

Definition 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, adjective

Word Origin for elytron

C18: from Greek elutron sheath, covering

Scientific definitions for elytra

elytron
[ ĕlĭ-trŏn′ ]

Plural elytra

Either of the modified forewings of a beetle or related insect that encase the thin hind wings used in flight.