winnowing fan
A 'winnowing fan' is an ancient tool used in agriculture to separate grain from chaff, utilizing air currents to distinguish between lighter and heavier particles.
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Definition
B2Agriculture
(traditional, manual)A flat, shallow basket or tray used to toss grain into the air, allowing wind to blow away the lighter chaff.
Example
- Farmers used a winnowing fan to separate the wheat from the chaff.
B2Agriculture
(modern, mechanical)A machine or device that creates air currents to blow away lighter chaff from heavier grain.
Example
- The electric winnowing fan made the process of cleaning the grain much faster.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "winnowing fan":