Pronunciation: [dˈɪʃ ˈe͡əɹɪəl] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the term referring to a television or radio antenna that is shaped like a dish is "dish aerial." The phonetic transcription of the word is /dɪʃ ˈɛərɪəl/. The "dish" portion of the term is straightforward, with the "ɪ" sound being pronounced as in "sit." The "aerial" portion is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable, with the "e" being pronounced as in "bet" and the "i" as in "sit" again.
A dish aerial, commonly known as a satellite dish, is a parabolic-shaped antenna device used for receiving and transmitting signals from satellites. It is designed to capture and focus electromagnetic waves, usually in the form of radio or television signals, and convert them into electrical signals for reception by a television set or other compatible devices.
The dish aerial consists of a concave reflector, usually manufactured from metal or fiberglass, that takes the shape of a dish or bowl. This reflector is designed to direct the incoming or outgoing signals towards a smaller secondary device, known as a feed horn or feed element, located at its focal point. The feed horn is mounted at the center of the dish and houses the receiver or transmitter electronics.
The dish aerial's parabolic shape allows it to gather signals from a wide area and focus them onto the feed horn with high precision. This focusing effect allows for the effective reception and transmission of signals over large distances, enabling communication with satellites in geostationary orbit.
Dish aerials enable viewers to receive a wide range of television channels and audio broadcasts from satellite providers, offering a greater variety of programming compared to traditional terrestrial broadcasting. They are commonly used in residential settings, as well as commercial establishments such as hotels, hospitals, and restaurants, where reliable reception of satellite signals is required.
In summary, a dish aerial is a specialized antenna device shaped like a parabolic dish, utilized for receiving and transmitting signals from satellites, allowing for the reception of satellite television and other broadcasts.
The word "dish aerial" is a compound phrase combining "dish" and "aerial".
1. "Dish" originally comes from the Old English word "disc", which referred to a round, flat object or plate. Over time, it evolved to include the meaning of a shallow, round container used for serving or cooking food. The term "dish" was first recorded in the 14th century, and its usage expanded to include various contexts related to containers or food.
2. "Aerial" is derived from the Latin word "aerius", meaning "of the air". It entered the English language via Old French, where it transformed into "aeriel". In English, "aerial" came to refer to anything related to the air or atmosphere.
"Dish aerial" or "dishes aerial" specifically relates to a type of antenna used for receiving television or radio signals.
