1 antenna | Definition of antenna

antenna

noun
an·​ten·​na | \ an-ˈte-nə How to pronounce antenna (audio) \
plural antennae\ -​(ˌ)nē How to pronounce antennae (audio) \ or antennas

Definition of antenna

1 plural antennae : one of a pair of slender, movable, segmented sensory organs on the head of insects, myriapods, and crustaceans — see insect illustration
2 : a usually metallic device (such as a rod or wire) for radiating or receiving radio waves a TV antenna
3 antennae plural : a special sensitivity or receptiveness 
 his political antennae proved to be shrewder than ever.— Erich Segal

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Other Words from antenna

antennal \ -​ˈte-​nᔊl How to pronounce antennal (audio) \ adjective

Did You Know?

The Latin word antenna meant “sail yard,” which is the long spar that supports and spreads the sail on a sailing vessel. The Greek word for a sail yard was keraia, but that was only one meaning of this word. The primary meaning was “horn.” The philosopher Aristotle used keraiai to describe the feelers of insects, probably because of their resemblance to the horns of some larger animals. In a Latin translation of Aristotle’s work made during the Renaissance, the word antennae was used for Greek keraiai. In English we still use antennae for insects’ feelers. And now we also use antenna for the metal rods that pick up radio waves and seem to “feel the air” like the antennae of an insect.

Examples of antenna in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And that essentially acts as a temporary antenna in the sky. Matt Simon, WIRED, "The Bonkers Tech That Detects Lightning 6,000 Miles Away," 16 Aug. 2019 However, far more of the small antennas are needed compared to the large towers. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Frustrated county supervisors adopt ordinance regulating cell antennas for 5G networks," 7 Aug. 2019 This year, the company went back to provide more geotechnical testing and consulting for a communications facility that is being expanded on the island, including the construction of new radar antennas. Carina Julig, The Denver Post, "Denver-based firm goes to work in the middle of the Indian Ocean," 2 Aug. 2019 Aereo lost a Supreme Court decision after its service was found to infringe on copyright law through the use of tiny antennae used to transit network signals, which were then streamed over the internet. NBC News, "Free TV startup Locast sued by networks," 31 July 2019 The facility has more than 360 miles of copper cable conductors to act as a giant antenna. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Russian State TV Lists U.S. Targets for Putin’s New Nukes--But One Target Doesn't Make Sense," 26 Feb. 2019 The Blackloud AF1 FM headset works by building its FM tuner into an in-line control box, while the cable functions as the antenna. Jon Porter, The Verge, "These headphones bring FM radio to your iPhone," 30 Oct. 2018 The best telescope for studying the dust and gas in a protoplanetary disk is the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), a flock of radio antennas in Chile’s high desert. Quanta Magazine, "Planets Found to Be Larger Than the Disks They Come From," 4 Oct. 2018 In Brown’s case, appropriate headgear is a tinfoil helmet, equipped with a large radio antenna. Scott Ostler, SFChronicle.com, "Raiders’ Antonio Brown and NFL reach agreement on tinfoil helmet," 10 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'antenna.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of antenna

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for antenna

Medieval Latin, from Latin, sail yard

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More Definitions for antenna

antenna

noun

English Language Learners Definition of antenna

: a thin sensitive organ on the head of an insect, crab, etc., that is used mainly to feel and touch things
chiefly US : a device (such as a wire or a metal rod) for sending or receiving radio or television signals

antenna

noun
an·​ten·​na | \ an-ˈte-nə How to pronounce antenna (audio) \

Kids Definition of antenna

1 plural antennae\ -​ˈte-​nē\ : one of two or four threadlike movable feelers on the head of insects and crustaceans (as lobsters)
2 plural antennas : a metallic device (as a rod or wire) for sending or receiving radio waves

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More from Merriam-Webster on antenna

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about antenna