alula: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Technical/Specialized)Academic, Technical, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “alula” mean?
A small, movable feathered structure found on the leading edge of a bird's wing, sometimes called the 'bastard wing'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, movable feathered structure found on the leading edge of a bird's wing, sometimes called the 'bastard wing'.
In entomology, a lobe at the base of the wing in some insects; a term occasionally used in botany for certain small appendages.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or meaning. Both use the term identically within technical contexts.
Connotations
Purely technical and descriptive, with no cultural or regional connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both dialects, confined to specialized texts.
Grammar
How to Use “alula” in a Sentence
The [noun]'s alula [verb phrase]An alula [verb phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alula” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The alular feathers were examined.
- An alular structure.
American English
- The alular coverts were missing.
- Alular function.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used in ornithology, zoology, and biology papers discussing avian flight mechanics or morphology.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Primary context. Used precisely to describe a specific anatomical feature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alula”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alula”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alula”
- Mispronouncing it as 'a-loo-la' (GB) instead of 'AL-yoo-la' (GB). Using it in a non-biological context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized term used almost exclusively in ornithology and biology.
The most common synonym is 'bastard wing'.
Most modern flying birds have an alula, but it is reduced or absent in some flightless birds.
It is primarily a noun. The related adjective is 'alular'.
A small, movable feathered structure found on the leading edge of a bird's wing, sometimes called the 'bastard wing'.
Alula is usually academic, technical, scientific in register.
Alula: in British English it is pronounced /ˈaljʊlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈluːlə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is purely technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A LULA is a LItte Little Wing Appendage.
Conceptual Metaphor
The alula acts as a slot or flap on an aeroplane wing, providing lift and preventing stalling at low speeds.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the alula?