aerial
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a metal rod or wire used to receive radio or television signals.
n.a metallic apparatus, such as a rod or wire, designed for the transmission or reception of radio frequency signals.
Simple“We had to adjust the aerial on the roof to get a better picture on the TV.”
In context“The storm damaged the television aerial, leaving the entire village without a reliable broadcast signal for several days.”
UsageIn American English, 'antenna' is the standard term for this device.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.a photograph taken from an aircraft or a high position in the sky.
n.a photograph captured from an elevated position, typically from an aircraft, drone, or satellite.
Simple“The map includes an aerial of the city to show the new park.”
In context“The surveyors used a high-resolution aerial to identify the exact boundaries of the protected wetlands.”
Synonymsoverhead shot - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.happening in the air or done using an aircraft.
adj.relating to, occurring in, or performed by means of aircraft or flight.
Simple“The city looks very different from an aerial view.”
In context“The military conducted an aerial survey of the region to assess the damage caused by the flooding.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
adj.describing parts of a plant that grow above the ground rather than in the soil.
adj.referring to plant organs, such as roots or stems, that grow entirely above the surface of the ground or water.
Simple“Some tropical plants have aerial roots that take moisture from the air.”
In context“The ivy uses its aerial rootlets to cling firmly to the brickwork of the old manor house.”
Antonyms - 05 C2 Proficiency
adj.light and delicate, or made of air.
adj.consisting of or having the nature of air; ethereal or insubstantial in quality.
Simple“The poet described the spirits as aerial beings with no physical form.”
In context“The morning mist gave the castle an aerial appearance, as if it were floating unsupported above the valley floor.”
Usage aerial view · aerial bomb · aerial bombs
“An aerial view of the damage in Deir al-Zahrani after an Israeli warplane carried out an airstrike in southern Lebanon.”
“An aerial view of flooded areas after heavy rain in Chiba.”
From Latin āeri(us) + -al, from Ancient Greek ἀέριος (aérios), from ἀήρ (aḗr, “air”) + -ιος (-ios). By surface analysis, aer- (“air”) + -ial.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.