hemelytron

noun

hem·​el·​y·​tron he-ˈme-lə-ˌträn How to pronounce hemelytron (audio)
plural hemelytra he-ˈme-lə-trə How to pronounce hemelytron (audio)
: one of the basally thickened anterior wings of various insects (such as true bugs)

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from hemi- + elytron

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hemelytron was circa 1889

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Cite this Entry

“Hemelytron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hemelytron. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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