noun
aerial
An antenna for sending or receiving radio signals.
The old radio has a long aerial.
Etymology
Latin aer means air. Aerial first describes something associated with the air; the noun names the antenna used to send or receive signals through that surrounding space.
More examples
- She adjusted the aerial for better reception.
- Several aerials stood on the roof.
- The manual calls the antenna an aerial.
Forms
aerial · aerials
Similar words
- antenna
- Antenna is the usual American term.
- receiver
- A receiver uses signals collected by an antenna rather than naming the antenna itself.