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antenna

Antenna An*ten"na, n.; pl. Antenn[ae]. [L. antenna sail-yard; NL., a feeler, horn of an insect.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) A movable, articulated organ of sensation, attached to the heads of insects and Crustacea. There are two in the former, and usually four in the latter. They are used as organs of touch, and in some species of Crustacea the cavity of the ear is situated near the basal joint. In insects, they are popularly called horns, and also feelers. The term in also applied to similar organs on the heads of other arthropods and of annelids. [1913 Webster]

2. (Electronics) A metallic device, variously shaped, designed for the purpose of either transmitting or receiving radio waves, as for radio or television broadcasting, or for transmitting communication signals. Some types are: {whip antenna}, {antenna tower}, {horn antenna}, {dish antenna}, {directional antenna} and {rabbit ears}. See transmitter, receiver. [PJC]