What does it mean when seeds are described as having wings?

When seeds are described as having wings, it indicates that they are designed to be carried by the wind. This adaptation helps seeds disperse over long distances away from the parent plant, which can reduce competition for resources and increase the chances of germination in a suitable environment. The wing-like structures, which may be flat or elongated, allow the wind to lift the seeds and transport them as they glide through the air. This characteristic is found in various plants, such as the maple tree, where the seeds have distinctive wing-like appendages that aid in efficient dispersal.