alas Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
    ala.
    • the alae of the nose
    • the alae of a maple seed
    • the flat petals of a pea blossom are alae
  2. noun a wing of an insect
    ala.
  3. adverb by bad luck
    unluckily; unfortunately; regrettably.
    • unfortunately it rained all day
    • alas, I cannot stay

WordNet

A*las" interjection
Etymology
OE. alas, allas, OF. alas, F. hélas; a interj. (L. ah.) + las wretched (that I am), L. lassus weary, akin to E. late. See Late.
Definitions
  1. An exclamation expressive of sorrow, pity, or apprehension of evil; -- in old writers, sometimes followed by day or white; alas the day, like alack a day, or alas the white.

Webster 1913