[el-i-tron] 
[-truh] . | one of the pair of hardened forewings of certain insects, as beetles, forming a protective covering for the posterior or flight wings. |
[el-i-truhs] , adjective el·y·tron (ěl'ĭ-trŏn')  (click for larger image in new window) n. pl. el·y·tra (-trə) 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. |
| wing case n. See elytron. |
elytron (ěl'ĭ-trŏn') Pronunciation Key
(click for larger image in new window) Plural elytra Either of the modified forewings of a beetle or related insect that encase the thin hind wings used in flight. |