antenna

The definition of an antenna is a wire that receives and conducts electromagnetic waves, typically to transmit information.

(noun)

An example of an antenna is the long thin metal piece extending upward from a car intended to receive radio signals.

In zoology, an antenna is defined as the long appendage, usually coming in pairs, on the head of an arthropod that is used to sense the environment.

(noun)

An example of an animal that has an antenna is a fly.

See antenna in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

pl. antennae or antennas either of a pair of movable, jointed sense organs on the head of most arthropods, as insects, crabs, or lobsters; feeler
pl. antennasRadio, TV an arrangement of wires, metal rods, etc. used in sending and receiving electromagnetic waves; aerial

Origin: L, earlier antemna, sail yard

See antenna in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. an·ten·nae (-tĕnˈē)

a. Zoology One of the paired, flexible, segmented sensory appendages on the head of an insect, myriapod, or crustacean functioning primarily as an organ of touch.
b. Something likened to this sensory appendage, as in function or form: sensitive public relations antennae.
pl. an·ten·nas A metallic apparatus for sending or receiving electromagnetic waves.

Origin:

Origin: Medieval Latin

Origin: , from Latin, sail yard

Origin: , translation of Greek keraia, insect feeler, yardarm

Related Forms: