'antenna-bearer' is a modern compound formed from 'antenna' + 'bearer'. 'antenna' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'antenna', where it meant 'yard (of a sail)' and was later applied to insect feelers; 'bearer' originates from Old English 'beran', where 'beran' meant 'to carry'.

'antenna' entered English from Latin (via Neo-Latin/Italian usage) and gained the entomological sense ('sensory appendage') in the late 18th century. 'bearer' evolved from Old English 'beran' through Middle English 'beren' to modern 'bearer'. The compound 'antenna-bearer' is a descriptive scientific/technical formation in modern English.

Initially, 'antenna' referred to a ship's spar or yard, but over time it evolved into the biological sense 'sensory appendage'; combined with 'bearer', the compound now means 'one that carries antennae'.