el·y·tron ( l  -tr n )n. pl. el·y·tra (-tr  ) Either of the leathery or chitinous forewings of a beetle or a related insect, serving to encase the thin, membranous hind wings used in flight. Also called wing case. [New Latin, from Greek elutron, sheath; see wel-2 in Indo-European roots.] el y·troid (-troid) adj. |   |
elytron [ˈɛlɪˌtrɒn], elytrum [ˈɛlɪtrəm]
n pl -tra [-trə]
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) either of the horny front wings of beetles and some other insects, which cover and protect the hind wings
[from Greek elutron sheath, covering]
elytroid , elytrous adj
| elytron (l-trn) Plural elytra Either of the modified forewings of a beetle or related insect that encase the thin hind wings used in flight. |  |
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