I. ae·ri·al ˈer-ē-əl, ā-ˈir-ē-əl adjective
Etymology: Latin aerius, from Greek aerios, from aēr
Date: 1604
1.
a. : of, relating to, or occurring in the air or atmosphere
b. : existing or growing in the air rather than in the ground or in water
c. : high in the air
aerial spires
d. : operating or operated overhead on elevated cables or rails
an aerial tram
2. : suggestive of air: as
a. : lacking substance
b. : fanciful , ethereal
visions of aerial joy — P. B. Shelley
3.
a. : of or relating to aircraft
aerial navigation
b. : designed for use in, taken from, or operating from or against aircraft
c. : effected by means of aircraft
aerial transportation
4. : of, relating to, or gained by the forward pass in football
• ae·ri·al·ly -ə-lē adverb
II. aer·i·al ˈer-ē-əl noun
Date: 1902
1. : antenna 2
2. : forward pass
3. : an acrobatic maneuver performed (as by skiers and gymnasts) in the air ; also plural : a ski event featuring aerials