noun
antenna
an-TEHN-uh
noun
1
A metal rod, wire, or dish used to send or receive radio, television, or other electromagnetic signals.
"She adjusted the car's antenna to get a clearer radio signal."
"The satellite dish acts as a large antenna for receiving TV broadcasts."
2
One of the thin, jointed feelers on the head of an insect, crab, or similar creature, used for touch and smell.
"The ant waved its antennae as it explored the crumb."
3
Figuratively, a sharp instinct for sensing what is happening around you.
"Good journalists develop an antenna for spotting a story before anyone else does."
How to Use Antenna
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a device for catching radio signals, or a feeler on a bug, or a knack for sensing things.
Common mistake
The plural for insect feelers is usually "antennae," while "antennas" is the more common plural for radio devices.
Word Forms
antennae plural, antennas plural, antennæ plural
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She adjusted the car's _____ to get a clearer radio signal.
Etymology
From Latin antenna, originally the name for a ship's sail-yard (the pole a sail hangs from) — the insect feeler and the radio device were both later compared to that slender pole.