winnowed; winnowing; winnows
Definition of winnow
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a(1)
: to remove (something, such as chaff) by a current of air
(2)
: to get rid of (something undesirable or unwanted) : remove
—often used with out winnow out certain inaccuracies— Stanley Walker
2a
: to treat (something, such as grain) by exposure to a current of air so that waste matter is eliminated
b
: to free of unwanted or inferior elements : pare
3
: to blow on : fan
the wind winnowing his thin white hair — Time
1
: to separate chaff from grain by fanning
2
: to separate desirable and undesirable elements
winnow
nounDefinition of winnow (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: a device for winnowing
2a
: the action of winnowing
b
: a motion resembling that of winnowing
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for winnow
The first known use of winnow was before the 12th century
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