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el·y·tron  (ĕli-trŏn′)
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Tweet n.pl. el·y·tra(-trə) Either of the leathery or chitinous forewings of a beetle or a related insect, serving to encase the membranous hind wings used in flight.Also called wing case. [New Latin, fromGreekelutron, sheath; see wel-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] ely·troid′(-troid′)adj.  (click for a larger image) elytron |
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