Antennae


a conductor by which electromagnetic waves are sent out or received, consisting commonly of a wire or set of wires; aerial.
Zoology. one of the jointed, movable, sensory appendages occurring in pairs on the heads of insects and most other arthropods.
Contemporary Examples

There are several long fins extending from the top of its head like antennae, and they may have lures at the end.
Fishy Mystery: Are Beached Oarfish Trying to Tell Us Something? Kevin Bailey October 22, 2013

At the end of the first dinner scene (where I said my most infamous line), he uses chopsticks like antennae to make me smile.
Mara Wilson Remembers Robin Williams: We’re All His Goddamn Kids Mara Wilson August 17, 2014

The Eat-a-Bug Cookbook recommends stripping off the antennae, limbs, and wings before baking them in the oven until crisp.
Cicadas, Grasshoppers, Locusts, Ants Among the Tastiest Insects Nina Strochlic May 13, 2013

Historical Examples

The distinguishing characteristics are found in the dwarfed, useless front legs and the absence of scales upon the antennae.
Butterflies Worth Knowing Clarence M. Weed

This rids us of one hypothesis: the sense of direction is not exercised by the antennae.
The Mason-bees J. Henri Fabre

Arista: a specialized bristle or process on antennae of certain Diptera.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology John. B. Smith

Nevertheless, she is constantly feeling the ground with her antennae.
The Mason-bees J. Henri Fabre

Here the males have one or the other of the first pair of antennae modified into a grasping organ for holding the female.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6 Various

It feels the surface with its antennae, which are bent at a right angle after the first joint.
The Mason-bees J. Henri Fabre

Ray slipped hurriedly away, while the green forest of antennae was still growing up from the water about the girl.
Astounding Stories, April, 1931 Various

noun
(pl) -nae (-naɪ). one of a pair of mobile appendages on the heads of insects, crustaceans, etc, that are often whiplike and respond to touch and taste but may be specialized for swimming or attachment
(pl) -nas another name for aerial (sense 7)
n.

Latinate plural of antenna; see -ae.
n.

1640s, “feeler or horn of an insect,” from Latin antenna “sail yard,” the long yard that sticks up on some sails, of unknown origin, perhaps from PIE root *temp- “to stretch, extend.” In the etymological sense, it is a loan-translation of Aristotle’s Greek keraiai “horns” (of insects). Modern use in radio, etc., for “aerial wire” is from 1902. Adjectival forms are antennal (1834), antennary (1836), antennular (1858).
antenna
(ān-těn’ə)

One of a pair of long, slender, segmented appendages on the heads of insects, centipedes, millipedes, and crustaceans. Most antennae are organs of touch, but some are sensitive to odors and other stimuli.

A metallic device for sending or receiving electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves. Some antennas can send waves in or receive waves from all directions; others are designed to work only in a range of directions.

Read Also:

  • Antennal gland

    . Historical Examples In the Decapoda the antennal gland is largely developed and is known as the “green gland.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 7 Various

  • Antennary

    of, relating to, or resembling an . bearing ; antennate. Historical Examples Arising from the anterior portion of the heart are the antennary arteries, running to the antenn. Elementary Zoology, Second Edition Vernon L. Kellogg antennary furrow: in Mallophaga, grooves on the under side of the head in which the antennae lie. Explanation of Terms […]

  • Antennas

    a conductor by which electromagnetic waves are sent out or received, consisting commonly of a wire or set of wires; aerial. Zoology. one of the jointed, movable, sensory appendages occurring in pairs on the heads of insects and most other arthropods. Contemporary Examples Molex specializes in little-noticed but vital devices like connectors, antennas, and switches. […]

  • Antennate

    having antennae.

  • Antennifer

    a pivotal projection at the rim of an antennal socket.


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