antenna

[ an-ten-uh ]

noun

, plural an·ten·nas an·ten·nae [an-, ten, -ee]

1. a conductor by which electromagnetic waves are sent out or received, consisting commonly of a wire or set of wires; aerial.
2. Zoology. one of the jointed, movable, sensory appendages occurring in pairs on the heads of insects and most other arthropods.

antenna

/ ænˈtɛnə /

noun

1. -nae-naɪ one of a pair of mobile appendages on the heads of insects, crustaceans, etc, that are often whiplike and respond to touch and taste but may be specialized for swimming or attachment
2. -nas another name for aerial

antenna

/ ăn-tĕn′ə /

1. One of a pair of long, slender, segmented appendages on the heads of insects, centipedes, millipedes, and crustaceans. Most antennae are organs of touch, but some are sensitive to odors and other stimuli.
2. A metallic device for sending or receiving electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves. Some antennas can send waves in or receive waves from all directions; others are designed to work only in a range of directions.

Derived Forms

• anˈtennal, adjective

Other Words From

• an·tennal adjective
• postan·tennal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of antenna¹

1640–50; < Latin: a sailyard

Word History and Origins

Origin of antenna¹

C17: from Latin: sail yard, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

During the day, it looks like a group of 5G antenna towers.

From Los Angeles Times

Her only functioning device was a battery powered antenna radio that she said was decades-old.

From BBC

For the past 20 years, self-declared "cyborg artist" Neil Harbisson has provoked debate with his "eyeborg" - a surgically attached antenna.

From BBC

Viewers can access ABC signals through a digital over-the-air antenna.

From Los Angeles Times

The deal announced Tuesday is the latest by a major league sports team to put local telecasts on a free over-the-air channel that consumers can watch with a TV antenna.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• receiver
• wire