Plural of ala; wing-like structures or appendages in anatomy, particularly in insects, birds, or plant parts.
From Latin ala meaning 'wing.' The singular form ala is used in scientific nomenclature; alae is its standard Latin plural. The word entered English through anatomical and botanical terminology.
Dragonfly wings aren't just beautiful—they're called alae, and each tiny structure lets them hover, fly backwards, and even fly upside down in ways no other insect can!
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