elytron noun. ['ɛlɪtrɒn] Pl. -tra [-trǝ]. M18.
[Greek elutron sheath.]
1. A sheath, a covering, spec. that of the spinal cord. Now rare or obsolete. M18.

2. Each of the horny forewings of a coleopterous insect, which form protective sheaths for the hindwings. Cf. TEGMEN. L18.

3. Any of a number of plates or scales on the parapodia of some polychaete worms. M19.

■ elytral adjective L19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲