folded dipole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Highly Specialized
Quick answer
What does “folded dipole” mean?
A type of radio antenna consisting of a dipole with its ends folded back and connected to form a closed loop, providing increased bandwidth and impedance compared to a simple dipole.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of radio antenna consisting of a dipole with its ends folded back and connected to form a closed loop, providing increased bandwidth and impedance compared to a simple dipole.
In broader technical contexts, it refers to any antenna design based on this folded-wire principle. It is never used metaphorically outside of antenna theory and radio engineering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and terminology are identical.
Connotations
None beyond its technical definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both dialects, used exclusively in electrical engineering, amateur radio, and related technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “folded dipole” in a Sentence
The [folded dipole] is connected to the [receiver].A [folded dipole] has an impedance of [300 ohms].We constructed a [folded dipole] for the [VHF band].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “folded dipole” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The folded-dipole design proved more effective.
- We compared folded-dipole and Yagi characteristics.
American English
- The folded-dipole design proved more effective.
- We compared folded-dipole and Yagi characteristics.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in engineering textbooks, papers, and lectures on antenna theory and radio wave propagation.
Everyday
Not used. Unfamiliar to general speakers.
Technical
Core term in electrical engineering, telecommunications, and amateur radio for describing a specific antenna type with distinct electrical properties.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “folded dipole”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “folded dipole”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “folded dipole”
- Pronouncing 'dipole' as /ˈdɪp.əl/ (like 'dip' and 'pole') instead of /ˈdaɪ.pəʊl/.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He folded dipole the wire'). It is strictly a compound noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While a folded dipole forms a closed loop, it is specifically a one-wavelength loop with a particular feed configuration. A general loop antenna can be of various sizes and shapes.
Mainly for its higher input impedance (often around 300 ohms), which is a better match for common twin-lead transmission lines, and for its slightly wider bandwidth.
Yes, folded dipoles have historically been common elements in traditional television and FM radio receiving antennas due to their favourable impedance and bandwidth properties.
No, 'folded dipole' is a highly specialized term confined to the fields of antenna design, radio frequency engineering, and amateur radio.
Folded dipole is usually technical/highly specialized in register.
Folded dipole: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfəʊl.dɪd ˈdaɪ.pəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfoʊl.dɪd ˈdaɪ.poʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a wire dipole antenna that has been folded back on itself like a loop, which folds the impedance (makes it higher).
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Purely technical, literal term).
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary characteristic of a folded dipole compared to a standard half-wave dipole?