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Glite Dictionary
🐦 A bird's wing part 🪰 A fly's wing part
alula

alula

9.9
A small scale-like part at the base of some flies' wings
  • noun
  • /əˈluːlə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : alula
  • Entomologists use characteristics of the alula to differentiate between species of flies.

Examples

  • The scientist carefully examined the alula under a microscope to study its texture.

  • Damage to the alula can affect the flight capabilities of some flies.

  • The alula aids in flight.

  • Many insects have an alula.

  • Damage to the alula can affect the flight capabilities of some flies.

  • Entomologists use characteristics of the alula to differentiate between species of flies.

  • The scientist carefully examined the alula under a microscope to study its texture.

Synonyms

calypter
vsalula
  • Specialized
9.9

A small flap near the base of a fly's wing that helps with balance during flight

has identical meaning but serves as the other scientific term
bastard wing
vsalula
  • Specialized
9.9

A small stiff group of feathers on the front edge of a bird's wing that helps control flight when landing

refers to a scalelike structure in two-winged flies not bird feathers

Surface Forms

alula singular
alulas plural
alulae plural

Etymology

Alula comes from the Latin ala meaning 'wing' and the ending -ula meaning 'small'. So alula literally means 'little wing', a handy image for the tiny, scale-like lobe near a fly's wing base that helps control flight.