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winnow

win·now

winnow

 
 
pronunciation:
wI no
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb, noun
features:
Word Combinations (verb)
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: winnows, winnowing, winnowed
definition 1: to separate (grain) from chaff and impurities by tossing it into the air.
definition 2: to blow, blow away, or scatter (chaff).
definition 3: to blow or sweep air on; fan.
similar words:
fan
definition 4: to sift through, or separate out the desired or worthwhile from the undesired or worthless part of, as by critical analysis.
The committee winnowed the submitted suggestions, trying to find ones that had merit.
similar words:
cull, sift
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to separate grain from chaff.
definition 2: to separate the desirable or worthwhile from the undesirable or worthless.
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: that which winnows, esp. a device for separating grain from chaff.
definition 2: the act of winnowing.
derivation: winnower (n.)