French Conversation · Level 15
90 words
French word
aile
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛl/
Meaning
- feminine nounwing
Example
L'aile de l'avion est endommagée.
The plane's wing is damaged.
More examples
L'apprenti travaille sous l'aile du maître.
The apprentice works under the master's protection.
Core concept
A side branch extending outward from a main body, with the same image applying to structures, machines, and organized groups.
Common phrases
l'aile de l'avion
the wing of the airplane
l'aile droite
the right-hand wing
sous l'aile de
under the protection of ___
Similar words
plume: One soft, narrow feather growing from a bird's body.
Definition in French
Partie latérale qui prolonge le corps d'un animal, d'un appareil ou d'un bâtiment, souvent plate et contribuant à la portance, à l'équilibre ou à la symétrie; sens dérivés: annexe, faction.
Word origin
The noun comes through Old French from Latin ala, whose central meaning was a wing or other part extending from the side.
Usage tips
- For buildings, aile commonly combines with a direction, as in l'aile nord de l'hôpital or l'aile droite.
Related words
- aileronaileronnoun
- ailéhaving wingsadjective