phased array

noun

1. a radar antenna consisting of an array of dipoles that are excited in or out of phase with each other to control beam direction and radiation pattern without moving the antenna. Compare dipole ( def 3 ).

phased array

noun

1. an array of radio antennae connected together to form a single antenna. The beam produced can be steered across the sky by adjusting the phases of the signals. The absence of moving parts enables the beams to be steered very rapidly, making it useful in radar

Word History and Origins

Origin of phased array¹

First recorded in 1930–35