feeler

Everyday

1. A feeler is a long, thin part on the head of an insect, snail or other small animal, used to touch, smell and sense the world; scientists call insect feelers antennae. tree →
2. (informal) To put out feelers means to quietly try to find out what people think before you decide something. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on minibeasts, ants, beetles, butterflies and snails all have feelers; a snail pulls its feelers in when touched, and its eyes are on the tips of its long top pair. Insects have two feelers. In everyday adult life, «putting out feelers» means asking around carefully. Phrases: «long feelers», «waved its feelers», «put out feelers».

Examples

• The beetle waved its feelers in the air. tree →
• When I touched the snail, it pulled its feelers in. tree →
• Ants touch feelers to pass messages to each other. tree →
• Butterflies have club-shaped feelers. tree →
• A snail's eyes are at the ends of its long feelers. tree →
• Dad put out feelers to see if any shop had the game in stock. tree →
• ‘She has no feelers!’ cried another. tree →

Note

Plural «feelers». The scientific word is «antenna» (plural «antennae»). Trap: «feeler» is not a person who feels; it is a body part (or the phrase «put out feelers»).