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nondirectional antenna

nondirectional antenna

6.1
An antenna that sends and receives radio signals equally in all directions
  • noun
  • /ˌnɒnˈdɪrɛkʃənəl ænˈtɛnə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : antena no direccional
  • The nondirectional antenna can receive signals from any direction.

Examples

  • The airport uses a nondirectional antenna to broadcast signals for navigational aids.

  • We installed a new nondirectional antenna on the roof.

  • A nondirectional antenna is ideal for covering a wide geographic area without aiming.

  • He replaced his old directional device with a nondirectional antenna for better all-around reception.

  • A nondirectional antenna is ideal for covering a wide geographic area without aiming.

  • The airport uses a nondirectional antenna to broadcast signals for navigational aids.

  • He replaced his old directional device with a nondirectional antenna for better all-around reception.

Synonyms

omnidirectional antenna
vsnondirectional antenna
  • Specialized
6.3

A device that sends and receives radio signals equally in all directions

is the same in meaning but uses an alternate term
radio aerial
vsnondirectional antenna
  • UK
3.9

A long thin metal rod that picks up radio signals for a car or home radio

is used for both transmitting and receiving equally in all directions

Antonyms

directional antenna
  • Specialized
1 5.8

A device that sends or receives radio waves mostly in one direction

How Directional

dish antenna
  • Specialized
1 4.1
directional antenna
  • Specialized
1 5.8
nondirectional antenna
  • Specialized
6.1

Surface Forms

Morphology

nondirectional + antenna

The meaning is directly compositional: 'nondirectional' (not directional / receiving from all directions) modifies 'antenna' (device for sending/receiving signals), yielding an antenna that works equally in all directions. This adjective + noun pattern is regular and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words will readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Nondirectional antenna is like a lamp in the middle of a room: unlike a directional antenna that points one way, it sends and receives signals the same way all around. So, it means an antenna that works 'in all directions' and covers an area without aiming.