1774, plural of elytron "hardened wing of an insect," from Greek elytron "sheath," from elyein "to roll round," from PIE root *wel- (3) "to turn, roll," with derivatives referring to curved, enclosing objects (see volvox). Related: Elytroid.
实用例句
1. In this order the the forewings are modified to form hard elytra or cases.
