feeler
Noun: 1. A slender, flexible, tactile appendage on an animal: A feeler is a thin, movable body part, especially on the head of an insect, crustacean, or some fish, used for touching, exploring, or tasting the environment. 2. A tentative suggestion or remark to gauge reaction: A feeler is a cautious, indirect statement or question made to test someone's opinion or reaction without making a firm commitment. 3. (Often plural: feelers) An attempt to initiate a romantic or social relationship: A feeler is an initial, often subtle, action or communication intended to see if another person is interested. 4. (Figurative) A special sensitivity or intuitive ability: A feeler can describe a person's natural talent for perceiving or understanding a particular situation, similar to how a sensory organ functions.
- Noun (Animal appendage):
- The lobster waved its long feelers to sense movement in the murky water.
- Insects use their feelers, or antennae, to smell and touch.
- Noun (Tentative suggestion):
- He put out a feeler to see if the team would be interested in a merger.
- Her comment about moving was just a feeler; she wasn't seriously proposing it yet.
- Noun (Social/romantic advance):
- She ignored his subtle feelers at the party.
- He decided to send out a few feelers on the dating app.
- "To put out feelers": This is a common idiomatic phrase meaning to make indirect inquiries or suggestions to gather information or gauge interest.
- The company is putting out feelers for a new CEO.
- Before writing the proposal, I put out some feelers to see if there was any support for the idea.
- Antenna (n): The primary synonym for the biological sense of "feeler," especially for insects and crustaceans.
- Tentacle (n): A similar flexible appendage, often associated with creatures like octopuses or squid, used for grasping and sensing.
- Palp (n): A technical term for a segmented, sensory appendage near the mouth of some arthropods.
- Probe (n): An investigation or exploratory action to gain information.
- Overture (n): An initial offer or proposal, often to begin negotiations or a relationship.
- Advance (n): An approach made to establish a relationship.
- Trial balloon (n): A tentative measure or idea launched to test public opinion.
- Have a feeler out for something: To be actively seeking information or opportunities regarding something.
- I have a feeler out for any job openings in the marketing department.
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slender tactile process on the jaws of a fish
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sensitivity similar to that of a receptor organ
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he had a special antenna for public relations
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a tentative suggestion designed to elicit the reactions of others
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she rejected his advances
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one of a pair of mobile appendages on the head of e.g. insects and crustaceans; typically sensitive to touch and taste
