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Definition

noun

(anatomy)
(1) A winglike anatomical process or part, used of a bone.
(2) One of the two major parts of ilium, or the large flaring portion of the ilium that laterally bounds the greater pelvis.

(zoology) The wing of certain insects; a winglike bodily organ or structure (e.g. ala of the genus Brachiopod to refer to their prominent wing).

(botany) The flattened border of certain stems, fruits, seeds, or one of the two side petals of flowers of the legume family (e.g. pea).

(biochemistry) One of the abbreviations or shorthand versions for amino acid alanine.

Supplement

Word origin: Latin āla (wing)

Related terms:

• Ala minor
• Ala orbitalis
• Ala vomeris
• Ala nasi
• Ala ossis ilii