A small wing or winglike projection on an architectural or structural element; a fin or auxiliary surface used in engineering.
From French alette, diminutive of aile (wing, from Latin ala). Used in architecture and engineering to describe small wing-shaped appendages or fins.
Alettes on Medieval armor and modern aircraft serve the same purpose—reducing instability through small projecting surfaces—showing how engineering principles transcend centuries because physics doesn't change.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.