noun
ala
AY-luh
noun
1
A wing-shaped part or structure, especially of a bone.
"The ala of the ilium is the broad, flared part of the hip bone."
2
A winglike flap or side petal found on certain stems, seeds, or flowers, such as the side petals of a pea-family blossom.
"Botanists use "ala" to describe the thin winged edge running down some plant stems."
How to Use Ala
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn anatomical or botanical term for a wing-shaped part.
Easily confused with
Word Forms
alae plural, alæ plural
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The _____ of the ilium is the broad, flared part of the hip bone.
Etymology
From Latin ala, meaning "wing" — the same root that gives us "aisle."