ˈal-yə-lə
Noun, pl. alulae
1. A small projection on the anterior edge of the wing of modern (and some ancient) birds. (wikipedia.org)
2. The freely moving first digit, a bird’s “thumb,” and typically bears three to five small flight feathers, with the exact number depending on the species. (wikipedia.org)
3. The group of three to six small, rather stiff feathers growing on the first digit, pollex, or thumb of a bird’s wing. (dictionary.reference.com)
Syn: bastard wing, spurious wing
Word origin: From New Latin, from Latin, diminutive of ala wing