brachelytrous, a.
(bræˈkɛlɪtrəs)
[f. mod.L. brachelytr-a (f. Gr. βραχ-ύς short + ἔλυτρον case, sheath) + -ous: cf. F. brachélytre. (A more correct form would be brachyelytrous.)]
Pertaining to the Brachelytra, a division of the beetles distinguished by the shortness of their wing-sheaths.
| 1847 Proc. Berw. Nat. Club II. 233 Brachelytrous insects forming the family Staphylinidæ. |