noun
Uncommon
ala
AY-luh
Ala (noun) means a wing-shaped part or structure, especially of a bone. Example: “The ala of the ilium is the broad, flared part of the hip bone.”
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.
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Word forms
- Plural
- alae, alæ
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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."
Synonyms
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wing
winglike part
Related words
Rhymes for ala
See all rhymes for ala →Frequently asked questions
What does “ala” mean?
The word “ala” means a wing-shaped part or structure, especially of a bone. In plain terms, an anatomical or botanical term for a wing-shaped part.
How do you pronounce “ala”?
“Ala” is pronounced AY-luh (/ˈeɪ.lə/ in IPA).
How do you use “ala” in a sentence?
Here is “ala” used in a sentence: “The ala of the ilium is the broad, flared part of the hip bone.”
What part of speech is “ala”?
“Ala” is a noun.
Where does the word “ala” come from?
The word “ala” comes from Latin. From Latin ala, meaning "wing" — the same root that gives us "aisle.".
Is “ala” a common word?
“Ala” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ala” have?
“Ala” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a wing-shaped part or structure, especially of a bone.
What is the difference between ala and wing?
"Ala" is a specific anatomical or botanical term for a wing-shaped structure, such as part of a bone or a side petal of a flower, while "wing" is the general everyday word for a flying appendage or wing-like part. "Ala" is used mainly in scientific or technical contexts.
Is ala used in anatomy or botany?
Both: in anatomy, "ala" refers to a wing-shaped part of a bone, such as the ala of the nose; in botany, it describes the winglike side petals found on flowers like those in the pea family.
What is the plural of ala?
The plural of "ala" is "alae," following its Latin origin, as seen in anatomical terms describing paired wing-shaped structures.
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