ala: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 / Very Low FrequencyTechnical, Scientific, Formal
Quick answer
What does “ala” mean?
A projecting wing-like structure or part.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A projecting wing-like structure or part.
Used in biological, anatomical, and architectural contexts to denote a wing-like projection, appendage, or section. In a figurative sense, it can denote a faction or subsidiary part of an organization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. The term is equally rare in both variants and confined to identical technical contexts.
Connotations
Purely denotative; carries no additional cultural or emotional connotations.
Frequency
Effectively zero in general corpora. Appears almost exclusively in academic texts for anatomy, zoology, botany, and classical architecture.
Grammar
How to Use “ala” in a Sentence
the ala of [anatomical part]an ala [prepositional phrase describing location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ala” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in anatomical, zoological, botanical, and archaeological texts (e.g., Roman architecture).
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Primary domain. Precisely denotes specific anatomical structures (e.g., 'ala of the ilium').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ala”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈɑːlə/ (like 'Allah').
- Using it in non-technical writing.
- Incorrect plural form ('alas' instead of 'alae').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialized term used almost exclusively in technical fields like anatomy and zoology.
The plural is 'alae', following its Latin origin. It is pronounced /ˈeɪliː/.
No, in modern English, 'ala' functions only as a noun. The related adjective is 'alar' (e.g., alar cartilage).
Use 'ala' only when it is the standard, precise term within a specific discipline (e.g., in Gray's Anatomy). In general contexts, 'wing' or 'projection' is always preferable.
A projecting wing-like structure or part.
Ala is usually technical, scientific, formal in register.
Ala: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeɪlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈeɪlə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of ALA as 'A Lateral Appendage' – a wing-like part sticking out to the side.
Conceptual Metaphor
PART OF A BODY/STRUCTURE IS A WING.
Practice
Quiz
In which field would you most likely encounter the word 'ala'?