In entomology, lacking elytra (hardened wing covers); describing insects without the hardened forewings typical of beetles.
From Greek 'an-' (without) + 'elytron' (sheath or covering), referring to the hardened wing covers of beetles. A technical zoological term from 19th-century naturalists.
Beetles are nature's heavily armored tanks with their elytra—anelytrous insects are the opposite, soft and vulnerable, which is why evolution keeps beetles around but anelytrous bugs need speed or camouflage.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.