antenna

[ an-ten-uh ]
/ ænˈtɛn ə /

noun, plural an·ten·nas for 1, an·ten·nae [an-ten-ee] /ænˈtɛn i/ for 2.

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

Origin of antenna

1640–50; < Latin: a sailyard

OTHER WORDS FROM antenna

an·ten·nal, adjective post·an·ten·nal, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for antenna

British Dictionary definitions for antenna

antenna
/ (ænˈtɛnə) /

noun

plural -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
plural -nas another name for aerial (def. 7)

Derived forms of antenna

antennal or antennary, adjective

Word Origin for antenna

C17: from Latin: sail yard, of obscure origin

Scientific definitions for antenna

antenna
[ ăn-tĕnə ]

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.
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.