Etymology Map
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Antenna

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means an insect's feeler; an aerial

Where does the word "antenna" come from? It comes from Latin antenna, adopted directly into English (1640s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
antenna
Latin · ancient
"sail yard"
the yard of a ship's sail
2
Stage 2 of 2
antenna
English · 1640s
"insect feeler"
radio antennas date from the 1900s
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Read the full story

Antenna’s story begins in Latin: antenna meant “sail yard.” The yard of a ship's sail. It reached English by 1640s as antenna. Radio antennas date from the 1900s. Today, antenna means an insect's feeler; an aerial.