elytron

noun

el·y·tron | \ˈe-lə-ˌträn

\

plural elytra\ˈe-lə-trə

\

Definition of elytron

: one of the anterior wings in beetles and some other insects that serve to protect the posterior pair of functional wings

Examples of elytron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The creatures use the edge of the elytron and abdominal movements to fold the wing along creased lines. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "The Origami-Like Folds of Ladybug Wings Could Lead to Better Umbrellas," 19 May 2017 The creatures use the edge of the elytron and abdominal movements to fold the wing along creased lines. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "The Origami-Like Folds of Ladybug Wings Could Lead to Better Umbrellas," 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.

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The first known use of elytron was in 1774

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