alate

9.9

With thin parts like wings that help seeds, leaves, or insects travel in the wind

adjective
/ˈeɪleɪt/

Specialized

: alado

Many ants develop an alate form during their reproductive phase.

Examples

The alate seeds of the maple tree help them travel farther on the wind.
Some plants produce alate seeds to help them disperse.
The botanist described the alate leaves that aided in dispersal.
The alate form of the insect is essential for reproduction.
The alate seeds of the maple tree help them travel farther on the wind.
Many ants develop an alate form during their reproductive phase.
The alate form of the insect is essential for reproduction.

Synonyms

alated

vsalate

Specialized

9.9

With winglike parts that help seeds or insects move through the air

is the same meaning but used in a different adjectival form

alar

vsalate

9.9

Shaped like a wing

focuses on actual winglike appendages on seeds leaves or insects

alary

vsalate

Specialized

9.9

Having parts like wings, as on insects or seeds

specifies winglike appendages on plants or insects

aliform

vsalate

Specialized

9.9

Having a shape like a bird's wing

is narrower meaning actual winglike extensions on biological parts

How Winged

winged

31 3.9

alate

Specialized

9.9

alary

Specialized

9.9

wingless

2 3.5

Surface Forms

alate positive

Etymology

Alate comes from the Latin word ala, meaning 'wing', and from alatus, meaning 'winged'. So when seeds, leaves, or insects are called alate, they have small 'wings' or winglike parts that help them fly or travel on the wind.