antennule
|an-ten-nule|
🇺🇸
/ænˈtɛn.juːl/
🇬🇧
/ænˈtɛn.jʊl/
small (first) antenna
Etymology
'antennule' originates from New Latin or Neo-Latin, specifically the word 'antennula,' a diminutive of 'antenna' where the suffix '-ula' meant 'little' or 'small'.
'antennule' changed from scientific Latin 'antennula' and entered English usage as 'antennule' (a diminutive form of 'antenna').
Initially it was a diminutive form meaning 'little antenna,' and over time it came to denote specifically the 'first' or smaller antenna of crustaceans and similar small antenna-like organs.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small or diminutive antenna, especially the first pair of antennae (anterior antennae) of crustaceans such as shrimps, lobsters, and copepods.
The copepod uses its antennules to detect chemical cues in the water.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/22 13:07