Meaning & use
Elytron
Last updated
The hardened, protective forewing of a beetle or similar insect, which covers and protects the membranous hind wings used for flight.
See it in a sentence
The beetle lifted its elytron before spreading its delicate flight wings.
Collectors often identify beetle species by the pattern and color of the elytron.
A note on using this word
Elytron comes from Greek, meaning 'sheath,' and its plural, 'elytra,' is the term most commonly used since beetles have two such wing covers.
Words with a similar meaning
wing casewing cover
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