Words / B2

an-TEN-uh/ænˈtenə/

An antenna is a feeler on an insect’s head (plural antennae) or a metal aerial for radio (plural antennas): insect antennae; a radio antenna. Aerial is the usual British word for the radio sense; feeler is everyday for insects. Count the antennae on the specimen. Mix-up: antenna vs anthem; Atenna; do not write antenna for a TV aerial in a UK source that already says aerial unless you are matching a science paper.

Meaning

A feeler on an insect’s head (plural antennae); also a metal aerial for radio (plural antennas).

Examples

• “Count the antennae on the specimen; a radio antenna on the site plan still needs the height in metres.”
• “Count the antennae on the specimen; still name the order if given.”
• “A radio antenna on the site plan still needs the height in metres, which is the signal sense — UK papers may say aerial.”

Good to know

insect antennae (plural); a radio / TV antenna (plural antennas). UK radio twin: aerial. Trap: anthem. Biology and physics. An insect feeler or a signal rod — count them or quote the height.

Near in meaning

feeler, aerial, aerials

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