Ala (Noun)
Meaning 1
A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism; "the alae of the nose"; "the alae of a maple seed"; "the flat petals of a pea blossom are alae".
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The alae of the nose are two flat, wing-like structures that form the sides of the nostrils.
- The alae of a maple seed are designed to disperse the seed away from the parent tree.
- The flat petals of a pea blossom are alae that attract pollinators and protect the reproductive parts of the flower.
- In some species of birds, the alae are highly modified to form the wings that allow for flight.
- The alae of a bat's ear are thin, flexible structures that help the animal to navigate and locate prey in the dark.
Hypernyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
A wing of an insect.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The butterfly's delicate ala shimmered in the sunlight as it flapped its wings.
- Insects such as beetles and flies have a hard outer covering on their ala for protection.
- The dragonfly's iridescent ala sparkled with shades of blue and green as it darted through the air.
- Scientists study the structure of an insect's ala to better understand the mechanics of flight.
- The delicate patterns on the ala of a moth can be used to identify its species.