elytron

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   one of the hardened front wings of a beetle or similar insect that covers and protects the flight wings

   The beetle lifted one elytron before unfolding its delicate hindwing.

From New Latin, from Ancient Greek elytron 'sheath or covering', related to a verb meaning 'to wrap'. The name refers to the hardened forewing's role as a protective case.

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