elytron

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἔλυτρον (élutron, sheath).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈɛlɪtɹɒn/

Noun

elytron (plural elytra)

  1. A sheath or outer covering, especially around the spinal cord or over the hindwings of certain insects.
    • 1997, Thomas Pynchon, Mason & Dixon:
      In a corner, the Darkling Beetle rustles in its Cage, its Elytra the same unforgiving white as the great sand-waste call’d ‘Kalahari’ lying north of here []

Translations

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