antenna

/ænˈtɛn.ə/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: antennae · antennas

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An appendage used for sensing on the head of an insect, crab, or other animal.

Noun

Examples

The overall shape of most insect antennae is elongate and cylindrical, although elaborations into plumose, lamellate, or pectinate forms have arisen many times in different insect lineages.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

An apparatus to receive or transmit electromagnetic waves and convert respectively to or from an electrical signal.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “antenna” mean?

An appendage used for sensing on the head of an insect, crab, or other animal.

Is “antenna” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.