The phrase "ala alba" is commonly misspelled as "alla alba" due to homophones. The correct spelling is /'ælə 'ælbə/, where the first syllable is pronounced with a schwa and the second syllable with a stressed vowel. The word "ala" means "along" or "to the" in Spanish, while "alba" means "dawn" or "daybreak." Together, the phrase roughly translates to "along the dawn" or "to the daybreak." Correct spelling is important for effective communication and to avoid misunderstandings.
Ala alba is a Latin expression that translates to "white wings" in English. It is a phrase often used in heraldry and literature to describe a specific attribute or symbol.
In heraldry, ala alba refers to a beautiful, white bird or bird-like figure with wings extended, typically depicted in flight. Often seen as a symbol of grace, purity, and freedom, the ala alba is commonly used as a heraldic device or crest in coats of arms. It represents qualities such as agility, aspiration, and enlightenment.
Beyond heraldry, ala alba has also been used in various literature works to denote or describe a celestial or otherworldly being with white wings. These beings are often associated with divine or supernatural characteristics. They can represent messengers, angels, or ethereal creatures in mythologies and fictional narratives.
The phrase ala alba has also been metaphorically used to symbolize hope, renewal, and transcendence. It suggests the ability to rise above challenges or burdens, gaining a new perspective or attaining enlightenment.
Overall, ala alba is a term that evokes the imagery of a white-winged creature, symbolizing grace, purity, freedom, or divine characteristics. Whether used in heraldry or literary contexts, it carries connotations of beauty, spirituality, and transcendence.
White wing, a white area adjacent to the a. cinerea.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "ala alba" does not have a specific etymology as a standalone word. However, "ala" and "alba" are both words with distinct origins.
1. "Ala": The word "ala" has roots in multiple languages. In Latin, "ala" means "wing" or "flank". It can also refer to a military unit, often associated with cavalry or infantry. In Spanish and Italian, "ala" means "wing", while in Portuguese, it means "hailstone". The etymology of "ala" can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*h₂el-", meaning "to fly" or "wing".
2. "Alba": The word "alba" comes from Latin and means "white" or "dawn". It has been borrowed into various languages with similar meanings.