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alar

alar

9.9
At the place where a leaf joins the stem
  • adjective
  • /ˈeɪlər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : alar
  • In some plants, alar flowers appear at the axil of each leaf.

Examples

  • The buds emerging from the alar position become new branches in the spring.

  • Botanists noted the presence of alar shoots in this unusual species.

  • The alar structures of the plant are crucial for its growth.

  • In botany, alar refers to parts located in the axil.

  • The botanist explained how the alar buds contribute to the plant's overall structure.

  • During the discussion, they noted that the alar leaves are essential for photosynthesis.

  • She observed that alar growths often indicate a plant is healthy and thriving.

Synonyms

axillary
vsalar
  • Specialized
1 9.3

At the angle where a leaf or branch meets the stem

is the same relation but stresses botanical usage

Surface Forms

alar positive

Morphology

alar = ala (opaque) = ala + ar

Although historically related to 'wing', the botanical axil sense is specialized and not directly predictable from the base meaning for most learners.

Etymology

Alar comes from the Latin root ala, which means 'wing'. A helpful way to remember the plant use is to think of a leaf's 'axil' as its little 'armpit' where small, wing-like parts can grow, so alar means 'in the axil' in a botanical sense.