Antennal

/ænˈtɛnəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or belonging to an antenna or antennae, especially the sensory appendages of insects and crustaceans.

Etymology

From 'antenna' (from Latin, originally meaning 'yardarm of a ship', then applied to insect appendages). The adjective form adds '-al' to create the technical descriptor.

Kelly Says

Insects taste with their antennas, not their mouths—when a fly lands on your food and wiggles those little hairs, it's actually taking complex chemical samples through antennal sensory organs.

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