ENGLISH
REFERENCE

aerial

n. · adj.
US //ˈɛɹiəɫ// aeri·al
  1. 1 signal receiver (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    a metal rod or wire used to receive radio or television signals.

    a metallic apparatus, such as a rod or wire, designed for the transmission or reception of radio frequency signals.

    Example

    We had to adjust the aerial on the roof to get a better picture on the TV.

    Example

    The storm damaged the television aerial, leaving the entire village without a reliable broadcast signal for several days.

    Usage

    In American English, 'antenna' is the standard term for this device.
  2. 2 photography (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Photography

    a photograph taken from an aircraft or a high position in the sky.

    a photograph captured from an elevated position, typically from an aircraft, drone, or satellite.

    Example

    The map includes an aerial of the city to show the new park.

    Example

    The surveyors used a high-resolution aerial to identify the exact boundaries of the protected wetlands.
    • overhead shot
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  1. 3 from the air (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    happening in the air or done using an aircraft.

    relating to, occurring in, or performed by means of aircraft or flight.

    Example

    The city looks very different from an aerial view.

    Example

    The military conducted an aerial survey of the region to assess the damage caused by the flooding.
  2. 4 botany (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    describing parts of a plant that grow above the ground rather than in the soil.

    referring to plant organs, such as roots or stems, that grow entirely above the surface of the ground or water.

    Example

    Some tropical plants have aerial roots that take moisture from the air.

    Example

    The ivy uses its aerial rootlets to cling firmly to the brickwork of the old manor house.
  3. 5 delicate or gaseous (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary Archaic

    light and delicate, or made of air.

    consisting of or having the nature of air; ethereal or insubstantial in quality.

    Example

    The poet described the spirits as aerial beings with no physical form.

    Example

    The morning mist gave the castle an aerial appearance, as if it were floating unsupported above the valley floor.
Origin

From Latin āeri(us) + -al, from Ancient Greek ἀέριος (aérios), from ἀήρ (aḗr, “air”) + -ιος (-ios). By surface analysis, aer- (“air”) + -ial.

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