yvlog

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elytron

[ el-i-tron ]

noun

plural elytra
  1. one of the pair of hardened forewings of certain insects, as beetles, forming a protective covering for the posterior or flight wings.


elytron

/ ˈɛlɪˌtrɒn; ˈɛlɪtrəm /

noun

  1. either of the horny front wings of beetles and some other insects, which cover and protect the hind wings
“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

elytron

/ ĕĭ-ٰŏ′ /

, Plural elytra

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

  • ˈˌٰǾ, adjective
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Other yvlog Forms

  • ··ٰdzܲ [el, -i-tr, uh, s], adjective
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yvlog History and Origins

Origin of elytron1

1745–55; < New Latin < Greek éٰDz a covering
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yvlog History and Origins

Origin of elytron1

C18: from Greek elutron sheath, covering
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The elytra, which formerly covered the wings, are protective and don't help with flight.

From

Their delicate wings are usually kept hidden under two hard moveable wing-like shells called elytra.

From

One early idea that was proposed as an explanation is that beetles have hardened forewings, called elytra, that form a protective capsule over their flight wings.

From

But there are more than a half-million known beetle species, and until now, all have had at least some form of hard forewing elytra.

From

The elytra stabilize the beetle and its churning wings, preventing it from spinning.

From

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