antennae
|an/ten/nae|
B2
/ænˈtɛni/
(antenna)
receiver or sensory appendage
Etymology
Etymology Information
'antenna' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'antenna', where it referred to a 'sail yard'.
Historical Evolution
'antenna' was borrowed from Latin into English, maintaining its form and meaning.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to a 'sail yard', but over time it evolved to mean 'sensory appendages' in biology.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a pair of long, thin sensory appendages on the heads of insects, crustaceans, and some other arthropods.
The butterfly uses its antennae to sense its environment.
Synonyms
Noun 2
plural form of 'antenna', referring to the sensory appendages.
The beetle's antennae are very sensitive to touch.
Last updated: 2025/02/13 09:15