aerial Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a pass to a receiver downfield from the passer
    forward pass.
  2. noun an electrical device that sends or receives radio or television signals
    transmitting aerial; antenna.
  3. adjective existing or living or growing or operating in the air
    • aerial roots of a philodendron
    • aerial particles
    • small aerial creatures such as butterflies
    • aerial warfare
    • aerial photography
    • aerial cable cars
  4. adjective satellite characterized by lightness and insubstantiality; as impalpable or intangible as air
    airy; aeriform; aery; ethereal.
    • figures light and aeriform come unlooked for and melt away"- Thomas Carlyle
    • aerial fancies
    • an airy apparition
    • physical rather than ethereal forms

WordNet

A*ë"ri*al adjective (Also<
  • Aerial
  • Aërial
)
Etymology
L. aërius. See Air.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to the air, or atmosphere; inhabiting or frequenting the air; produced by or found in the air; performed in the air; as, aërial regions or currents. "Aërial spirits." Milton. "Aërial voyages." Darwin.
  2. Consisting of air; resembling, or partaking of the nature of air. Hence: Unsubstantial; unreal.
  3. Rising aloft in air; high; lofty; as, aërial spires.
  4. Growing, forming, or existing in the air, as opposed to growing or existing in earth or water, or underground; as, aërial rootlets, aërial plants. Gray.
  5. Light as air; ethereal.

Webster 1913