antenna

Everyday

1. One of two long, thin feelers on the head of an insect or shellfish, used to touch and smell. tree →
2. A metal rod or wire that sends or receives radio, TV or phone signals; an aerial. tree →

In the lessons

In science: ants and butterflies use antennae to feel and smell. In technology: radio antennas, phone mast antennas. Phrases: a pair of antennae, TV antenna, satellite antenna.

Examples

• The ant touched the crumb with its antennae. tree →
• A butterfly has two antennae on its head. tree →
• The radio antenna was on the roof. tree →
• Snails have feelers like antennae. tree →
• The phone has a hidden antenna inside. tree →
• Lobsters have very long antennae. tree →

Note

Plurals differ: animals' feelers are "antennae" (an-TEN-ee); radio rods are usually "antennas". UK and Australia often call the TV one an "aerial".