antenna
English meaning: Antenna
Definition
A feeler organ on the head of an insect, crab, or other animal.
Example
“The ant waved its antennae as it explored the crumb.”
Another example: “The radio's reception improved once he adjusted the antenna.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Neutral and technical; means an insect's feeler, or a metal aerial for receiving radio/TV signals. 'Antennae' is the usual plural for the insect sense; 'antennas' is common for aerials, especially US. Figuratively, 'have your antennae out' means be alert.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'antenna' meaning 'sail yard'; applied to insect feelers in the 17th century and to radio aerials in the 20th.
Synonyms
- aerial
- feeler
- dish
- receiver
Related Words
- monopole
- yagi
- omnidirectional
- dipole
- parabolic
- reflector
- tuner
- waveguide
- azimuth
- directional
Common Collocations
- radio antenna
- satellite antenna
- insect's antenna
- antenna signal
- rooftop antenna
Word Forms
antenna (n); antennae / antennas (pl)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B