winnow

  1. Verb.  (transitive, agriculture) To subject (granular material, especially food grain) to a current of air separating heavier and lighter components, as grain from chaff.
  2. Verb.  (transitive, figuratively) To separate, sift, analyze, or test in this manner.
  3. Verb.  (transitive, literary) To blow upon or toss about by blowing; to set in motion as with a fan or wings.
  4. Verb.  (intransitive, literary) To move about with a flapping motion, as of wings; to flutter.
  5. Noun.  That which winnows or which is used in winnowing; a contrivance for fanning or winnowing grain.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.