Advertisement
Advertisement
winnow
[win-oh]
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 byout ).
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
/ ˈɪəʊ /
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
a device for winnowing
the act or process of winnowing
Other Word Forms
- winnower noun
- unwinnowed adjective
- ˈɾԲԴǷɱ noun
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of winnow1
Example Sentences
You may want to simplify your finances by winnowing your cards down to just one or two.
If she does enter the contest, the move is expected to winnow the field because of her national profile, fundraising ability and her multiple successful statewide campaigns.
Hours after the list of properties was posted online, it was winnowed by more than 100 but still included 16 California properties.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled the shortlists for the 97th Oscars in 10 categories on Tuesday, winnowing the field of contenders across documentary, international feature, music, sound and visual effects.
Even at these lower-than-recommended levels, her appetite soon winnowed and she began to shed weight.
Advertisement
Related Words
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse