Alation

/eɪˈleɪ.ʃən/ noun

Definition

The state or condition of having wings; the possession or development of wings or wing-like structures.

Etymology

From Latin 'ala' (wing) plus the suffix '-tion,' creating a noun describing the quality or state of being winged. This technical term appears in biology when describing the acquisition or presence of wings.

Kelly Says

The term 'alation' describes a moment of transformation—when ants become alate, when insects sprout wings for the first time, scientists use this word to capture the idea of becoming something winged, something that can fly away and explore!

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