View synonyms for winnow

winnow

[ win-oh ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

to free (grain) from the lighter particles of chaff, dirt, etc., especially by throwing it into the air and allowing the wind or a forced current of air to blow away impurities.
to drive or blow (chaff, dirt, etc.) away by fanning.
to blow upon; fan.
to subject to some process of separating or distinguishing; analyze critically; sift:
to winnow a mass of statements.
to separate or distinguish (valuable from worthless parts) (sometimes followed by out ):
to winnow falsehood from truth.
to pursue (a course) with flapping wings in flying.
to fan or stir (the air) as with the wings in flying.

verb (used without object)

to free grain from chaff by wind or driven air.
to fly with flapping wings; flutter.

noun

a device or contrivance used for winnowing.
an act of winnowing.

winnow

/ ˈwɪnəʊ /

verb

to separate (grain) from (chaff) by means of a wind or current of air
tr to examine in order to select the desirable elements
archaic.
tr to beat (the air) with wings
rare.
tr to blow upon; fan

noun

1. a device for winnowing
2. the act or process of winnowing

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Derived Forms

ˈwinnower, noun

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Other Words From

winnow·er noun
un·winnowed adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of winnow¹

before 900; Middle English win ( d ) wen (v.), Old English windwian, derivative of wind wind ¹

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Word History and Origins

Origin of winnow¹

Old English windwian; related to Old High German wintōn, Gothic diswinthjan, Latin ventilāre. See wind ¹

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Example Sentences

The blasts of adversity were necessary to winnow the spurious and false away, and to leave the tried and true behind.

From Project Gutenberg

The corn thrashed out is cleared away by the men, others winnow it, others heap it, others supply fresh layers.

From Project Gutenberg

These had lived there so long as to be able to winnow the chaff and throw the refuse off.

From Project Gutenberg

Wer't nae for thy girning face I would knock the big, winnow the corn, and grun the meal!

From Project Gutenberg

This seems unlikely, unless it can be shown that Winwaloe and Winnow or Winoc were the same person.

From Project Gutenberg

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winnock Winny

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