antenna
A rod, wire, or other device used to transmit or receive radio or television signals, or a long, thin sensory organ found on the heads of insects and crustaceans. In a metaphorical sense, it refers to a person's ability to sense or detect subtle changes or information in their environment.
Examples
3 of 5I had to adjust the TV antenna several times to get a clear picture of the football game.
I had to adjust the TV antenna several times to get a clear picture of the football game.
The telecommunications tower requires a high-gain antenna to ensure reliable signal coverage across the valley.
The telecommunications tower requires a high-gain antenna to ensure reliable signal coverage across the valley.
My car's antenna snapped off in the automatic car wash yesterday.
My car's antenna snapped off in the automatic car wash yesterday.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of an insect's 'ten' (10) legs and its 'antenna' helping it find its way. Or associate 'antenna' with 'attention'—it helps you pay attention to signals.
Quick Quiz
The butterfly used its _______ to detect the scent of the flowers.
Correct!
The correct answer is: antenna
Examples
I had to adjust the TV antenna several times to get a clear picture of the football game.
everydayI had to adjust the TV antenna several times to get a clear picture of the football game.
The telecommunications tower requires a high-gain antenna to ensure reliable signal coverage across the valley.
formalThe telecommunications tower requires a high-gain antenna to ensure reliable signal coverage across the valley.
My car's antenna snapped off in the automatic car wash yesterday.
informalMy car's antenna snapped off in the automatic car wash yesterday.
The researcher observed how the beetle used its left antenna to navigate the complex maze.
academicThe researcher observed how the beetle used its left antenna to navigate the complex maze.
A good CEO must have their political antenna up to navigate the shifting regulations in the tech industry.
businessA good CEO must have their political antenna up to navigate the shifting regulations in the tech industry.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
to have one's antennas up
to be alert and sensitive to what is happening
social antenna
one's ability to read social cues
political antenna
the ability to sense political shifts or moods
Often Confused With
Aerial is the more common term in British English, while antenna is standard in American English for electronics.
This is the Spanish or Portuguese spelling; English requires the double 'n'.
Usage Notes
Note the two plural forms: use 'antennas' for electronic devices and 'antennae' when referring to biological feelers on insects.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'antennas' for insects in biological contexts, which is technically incorrect in scientific writing.
Memory Tip
Think of an insect's 'ten' (10) legs and its 'antenna' helping it find its way. Or associate 'antenna' with 'attention'—it helps you pay attention to signals.
Word Origin
From Latin 'antenna', meaning a sail yard, which later evolved to describe the feelers of insects due to their similar shape.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The butterfly used its _______ to detect the scent of the flowers.
Correct!
The correct answer is: antenna
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
unknown
A1A person or thing that is not known, recognized, or familiar. It often refers to a mysterious situation or a person who has not yet achieved fame or success.
of
A1A preposition used to show a relationship between a part and a whole, or to indicate belonging and origin. It connects a noun or pronoun to another part of the sentence to specify which one or what kind.
in
A1A preposition used to indicate position within a container, a space, an area, or a period of time. It describes being surrounded by something or being inside the boundaries of a location.
it
A1A third-person singular pronoun used to refer to an object, animal, or situation that has already been mentioned or is clear from context. It is also frequently used as a dummy subject to talk about time, weather, or distance.
on
A1A preposition used to indicate that something is in a position above and supported by a surface. It is also used to indicate a specific day or date, or to show that a device is functioning.
as
A1A conjunction used to compare two things that are equal in some way. It is most commonly used in the pattern 'as + adjective/adverb + as' to show similarity.
this
A1Used to identify a specific person, thing, or idea that is physically close to the speaker or has just been mentioned. It can also refer to the present time or a situation that is currently happening.
by
A1A preposition used to show the method or means of doing something, or to identify the person or thing that performs an action. It frequently appears in passive sentences to indicate the agent or before modes of transport.
we
A1The word 'we' is a first-person plural pronoun used to refer to the speaker and one or more other people collectively. It is used as the subject of a sentence or clause.
or
A1A coordinating conjunction used to connect two or more possibilities or alternatives. it indicates that only one of the options is likely, required, or true.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free