al·u·la ( l y -l)n. pl. al·u·lae (-l   ) A small joint in the middle of a bird's wing, homologous with the thumb and bearing three or four quill-like feathers. Also called bastard wing, spurious wing. [New Latin, diminutive of Latin  la, wing.]al u·lar (-lr) adj. |
alula [ˈæljʊlə]
n pl -lae [-liː]
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) another name for bastard wing
[New Latin: a little wing, from Latin āla a wing]
alular adj
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | alula - scalelike structure between the base of the wing and the halter of a two-winged fly squama - a protective structure resembling a scale fly - two-winged insects characterized by active flight |
| 2. |  alula - tuft of small stiff feathers on the first digit of a bird's wingfeather, plumage, plume - the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds wing - a movable organ for flying (one of a pair) |
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