feeler

Meaning

1. Someone or something that feels.
2. An antenna or appendage used for feeling, especially on an insect.
3. Something ventured to test another's feelings, opinion, or position.
4. Someone who assumes or imagines that something said or done (positive or negative) was for the person despite having no concrete confirmation but gut feeling
5. Someone who assumes or imagines that one's affection is reciprocated, indulges in one's own wishful thinking, or flatters oneself

Synonyms

antenna

tentacle

barbel

advance

approach

overture

palpus

probe

grope

gauge rod

feeler blade

clearance gauge

scout

sensitive element

smeller

contact

tip

palp

fibre

tripwire feeler

end organ

tactual exploration

clearance gage

feeler gage

contact shoe

proof stick

primary control element

feeler gauge

contactor

detector

explorer

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈfiːlə/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: feler

In summary

From Middle English feler, feeler, felar, equivalent to feel + -er. Animal organ definition from 1660s. Transferred sense of "proposal put forth to observe the reaction it gets" is from 1830.