noun, plural el·y·tra [el-i-truh] /ˈɛl ɪ trə/.
- one of the pair of hardened forewings of certain insects, as beetles, forming a protective covering for the posterior or flight wings.
noun plural -tra (-trə)
- either of the horny front wings of beetles and some other insects, which cover and protect the hind wings
Plural elytra
- Either of the modified forewings of a beetle or related insect that encase the thin hind wings used in flight.