<p><strong>verb</strong></p><ul><li>(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.</li><li>to drive or blow (chaff, dirt, etc.) away by fanning.</li><li>to blow upon; fan.</li><li>to subject to some process of separating or distinguishing; analyze critically; sift: to winnow a mass of statements.</li><li>to separate or distinguish (valuable from worthless parts) (sometimes followed by out): to winnow falsehood from truth.</li><li>to pursue (a course) with flapping wings in flying.</li><li>to fan or stir (the air) as with the wings in flying.</li></ul><p><strong>noun</strong></p><ul><li>a device or contrivance used for winnowing.</li><li>an act of winnowing.</li></ul>