alula

noun

al·​u·​la ˈal-yə-lə 

plural alulae ˈal-yə-ˌlē 

-ˌlī

: a specialized structure of the upper leading edge of a bird's wing that consists of a tuft of short, stiff flight feathers attached to the movable first wing digit corresponding to the thumb and that facilitates flight, landing, and maneuverability at slow speeds : bastard wing

While easy to overlook, the alula is essential to a modern bird's aerodynamics.

—Tom Waters

By altering airflow, the alula permits good maneuverability and control at low flying speeds, crucial for takeoffs and landings.

—National Geographic

Examples of alula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While easy to overlook, the alula is essential to a modern bird’s aerodynamics. —Tom Waters, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019

This creates a slot between the main wing and the alula. —Tom Waters, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Latin āla "wing" + -ula, diminutive suffix — more at ala

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined above