Elytrum

[ɪlɪtrəm]

Definition

(n.) One of the anterior pair of wings in the Coleoptera and some other insects, when they are thick and serve only as a protection for the posterior pair.

(n.) One of the shieldlike dorsal scales of certain annelids. See Chaetopoda.

Inputed by Diego

Definition

n. the fore-wing of beetles modified to form more or less hard coverings for the hind pair—also El′ytron:—pl. El′ytra.—adjs. El′ytral; Elyt′riform; Elytrig′erous.

Editor: Miles