Elis (elis)

[NL. (Fabric i us, 1804).] A genus of fo orial hymenopterous insects, of the family Scoliida. The eyes are sub reniform in both sexes, and the front wings have two recurrent nervures. Elis quadrinotata , natural size. They are large wasps of scoliid habits, of which 9 North American and 6 European species are known. E. quadrinotata and E. plumipes inhabit the southern United States, where they have been found on cotton-plants. elision (e-lizh'on), n. [F. élision = Sp. elision =Pg. elisão = It. elisione , elision, elisio ( n- ) , a striking or pre ing out, in gram. (LL.) the suppre ion of a vowel (tr. Gr. ἔκθλιψις: see ecthlipsis ), elidere , pp. elisus , strike out, pre out: see elide .] 1. A striking or cutting off; specifically, in gram., the cutting off or suppre ion of a vowel or syllable, naturally or for the sake of euphony or meter, especially at the end of a word when the next word begins with a vowel; more generally, the suppre ion of any part of a word in speech or writing: as, in th' embattled plain" there is an elision of e; in "I'll not do it" there is an elision of wi. The Italian is so full of Vowels, that it must euer be cumbred with Elisions . Sir P. Sidney , Apol, for Poetrie. The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia: Dictionary elision He has made use of several Elisions that are not customary among other English Poets. Add is on, Spectator, No. 285. Nor praise I le that circumcision By modern poets call'd elision , With which, in proper station plac'd, Thy polish'd lines are firmly brac'd. Swift , The Dean's Answer to Sheridan. 21. Division; separation. The cause given of sound, that it would be an elision of the air, whereby, if they mean anything, they mean a cutting or dividing, or else an attenuating of the air, is but a Bacon , Nat. Hist., § 124. term of ignorance.