alated

9.9

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

adjective
/əˈleɪtɪd/

Specialized

: alado

The alated seeds of the maple twirl as they drift through the air.

Examples

Many ants develop into alated forms during their reproductive phase.
The botanist noted the presence of alated leaves on several plant species.
The alated seeds drift in the wind.
Those alated leaves look beautiful!
The alated seeds of the dandelion ensure their spread over long distances.
Many insects, such as certain species of ants, transform into alated forms for flight.
The alated leaves of the plant provide an interesting adaptation for capturing sunlight.

Synonyms

alar

vsalated

1 9.9

Shaped like a wing

focuses on seeds, leaves, or insects with actual winglike appendages

alate

vsalated

Specialized

1 9.9

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

is the same meaning expressed as another form

alary

vsalated

Specialized

1 9.9

Having parts like wings, as on insects or seeds

is limited to seeds, leaves, or insects with winglike parts

aliform

vsalated

Specialized

9.9

Having a shape like a bird's wing

is narrower, used for particular biological parts with wings

How Winged

winged

40 3.9

alated

Specialized

9.9

alary

Specialized

1 9.9

wingless

2 3.5

Surface Forms

alated positive

Morphology

alated = alate (transparent) = alate + ed

Regular adjectival formation from 'alate' with the suffix '-ed' yields 'alated' meaning 'having wings', so the meaning follows directly from the base.

Etymology

The word alated comes from the Latin root ala, which means 'wing'. So an alated seed, insect, or leaf has a small wing-like part that helps it glide or simply looks like a wing.