Antenna: An Insect's Feeler and a Radio Aerial Share One Word
An antenna is the sensory feeler on an insect's head, and also the device that sends or receives radio waves. The plural changes depending on which one you mean.
An antenna is either a jointed sensory organ on the head of an insect or crustacean, or a metal device for transmitting and receiving radio signals. English keeps both, and even keeps two plurals: antennae for the insects, antennas for the radios.
- An insect's feeler. *The moth's antennae are feathered.*
- A radio aerial. *Adjust the antenna for a better signal.*
- Sensitivity to something (figurative). *She has good antennae for trouble.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Singular | antenna | Both senses |
| Plural (biology) | antennae | Insects and crustaceans |
| Plural (technology) | antennas | Radio and television |
| Synonym (UK) | aerial | Mostly British for the radio sense |
How it is used in a sentence
- The beetle's antennae twitched.Biology, Latin plural.
- Mobile antennas were installed on the roof.Technology, English plural.
- He has an antenna for office politics.The figurative sense, usually singular.
Where the word comes from
Latin *antenna* meant a sail yard — the spar that holds a sail. Renaissance naturalists borrowed it for insect feelers because of the shape, and Marconi's assistants borrowed it again for the pole holding a wire. Three technologies, one piece of ship's rigging.
Antennae or antennas?
Antennae for insects, antennas for equipment. Both are correct English; the difference is subject matter, not formality.
Is an aerial the same as an antenna?
Yes, for radio and television. Aerial is more common in British English, antenna in American.