: one of the anterior wings in beetles and some other insects that serve to protect the posterior pair of functional wings
Illustration of elytron
elytron E
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebThe creatures use the edge of the elytron and abdominal movements to fold the wing along creased lines.—Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 19 May 2017 The creatures use the edge of the elytron and abdominal movements to fold the wing along creased lines.—Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 19 May 2017
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'elytron.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Greek, sheath, wing cover, from eilyein to roll, wrap — more at voluble
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