1. Plural of alula; small, winglike structures on the forelimbs of birds, located at the base of the primary feathers and used to control airflow during flight.
Usage: ornithology; technical; plural form

Examples

• The alulae of the hawk help it maintain precise control during rapid maneuvers.
• Ornithologists study the alulae to understand how birds achieve such agile flight.
• The alulae are particularly well-developed in species that require quick directional changes.
• Without functional alulae, birds would have difficulty landing smoothly.
• The structure of the alulae varies among different bird species.