rabbit ears
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. The long ears of a rabbit: The distinctive, elongated auditory organs of a rabbit. 2. An indoor television antenna: A type of indoor TV antenna consisting of two adjustable, rod-like elements that are typically arranged in a V-shape to receive broadcast signals.
Usage Examples
Noun (Animal Anatomy):
- The cartoon character was easily identified by its large rabbit ears.
- The rabbit's keen hearing is aided by its prominent rabbit ears.
Noun (Electronics):
- Before cable TV, many households used rabbit ears to get a clear signal.
- He adjusted the rabbit ears on top of the television to reduce the static.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used metaphorically to describe someone who is intently listening or trying to pick up information.
- The reporter had his rabbit ears on during the confidential briefing.
- In a historical or nostalgic context, "rabbit ears" symbolize early television technology.
- The museum had an exhibit on 20th-century media, featuring an old set with rabbit ears.
Variants and Related Words
- Antenna: A more general term for a device used to transmit or receive radio waves.
- Dipole antenna: The technical term for the simple two-part antenna design that "rabbit ears" exemplify.
Synonyms
- For the antenna: Indoor antenna, TV antenna, V-antenna.
- For the animal feature: (No direct single-word synonym; described as "long ears" or "lagomorphic ears").
Related Phrases
- To put up the rabbit ears: To set up or adjust the television antenna.
- The picture is snowy; can you put up the rabbit ears and see if it improves?
Related Idioms
- Rabbit ears (in sports slang): A term describing an athlete, especially a pitcher in baseball, who is overly sensitive to criticism or taunts from the crowd or opponents.
- The coach told the rookie not to have rabbit ears and to ignore the hecklers.
Noun
- the long ears of a rabbit
- an indoor TV antenna; consists of two extendible rods that form a V