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winnow
[ win-oh ]
/ ˈwɪn oʊ /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object)
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.
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Origin of winnow
OTHER WORDS FROM winnow
win·now·er, nounun·win·nowed, adjectiveWords nearby winnow
Winnipeg couch, Winnipegger, Winnipegosis, Winnipesaukee, winnock, winnow, Winny, wino, Winona, win one's spurs, win on points
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use winnow in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for winnow
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
(tr) archaic to beat (the air) with wings
(tr) rare to blow upon; fan
noun
- a device for winnowing
- the act or process of winnowing
Derived forms of winnow
winnower, nounWord Origin for winnow
Old English windwian; related to Old High German wintōn, Gothic diswinthjan, Latin ventilāre. See wind 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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