Envelope

Pronunciation
/EN-vuh-lope/
Category
Entomology
Singular
Envelope
Plural
Envelopes

Definition

A structure or membrane enclosing and protecting the contents within, often referring to membranous envelopes in biological entities such as viruses or some insect eggs.

Etymology

From Latin 'involvere', meaning 'to wrap up'.

Example

The butterfly egg is protected by a delicate envelope.

Related Terms