antenna
n.-
1 electronics (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Computinga metal rod or wire used to send or receive radio and television signals.
a transducer designed to transmit or receive electromagnetic waves. Often used with 'aerial' as a synonym in British English.
ExampleThe car's antenna was broken, so we couldn't listen to the radio during the trip.
ExampleEngineers adjusted the orientation of the satellite antenna to ensure a stable uplink during the heavy storm.
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2 insect feeler (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Scienceone of the two long parts on the head of an insect or crustacean used for feeling or smelling.
a pair of mobile appendages on the heads of insects, crustaceans, and other arthropods, primarily used for sensory perception.
ExampleThe butterfly moved its antenna as it landed on the bright flower.
ExampleThe biologist observed how the beetle used its antennae to navigate the dark crevices of the forest floor.
- feeler
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3 intuition (n.) C1 Advanced Literaryyour ability to notice or sense what is happening around you.
the faculty of intuitive astuteness or the ability to detect subtle social or political changes.
ExampleHer political antenna told her that the meeting was not going well.
ExampleA successful diplomat must have a sensitive antenna for the subtle shifts in international relations.
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4 sailing spar (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Sciencea long wooden pole used to hold a specific type of sail on a boat.
the spar to which a lateen sail is attached before being hoisted up the mast.
ExampleThe sailors raised the antenna to catch the light breeze in the harbour.
ExampleThe traditional Mediterranean vessel featured a long antenna angled sharply against the mast to support its triangular sail.
From Latin antenna, antemna (“yard, sailyard; pole”). First used in this sense as a Latin word in the 15th century and as an English word by the end of the 17th century.