winnow
UK: ˈwɪn.əʊ | US: ˈwɪn.oʊ
vt. to separate grain from chaff by blowing air
vt. to sift or analyze critically
vi. (archaic) to blow or fan
winnow = win<wind> + now<related to blowing>
- win<wind>: From Old English windwian, derived from wind (air in motion).
- now<related to blowing>: Likely connected to Old English -wian (a verbal suffix indicating action), though its exact origin is debated.
Etymology Origin:
The word winnow traces back to Old English windwian, combining wind (air movement) with an action suffix. The process historically involved tossing grain into the wind to let lighter chaff blow away—a literal "wind action." Over time, it metaphorically expanded to mean sifting or refining ideas.
Farmers winnow rice to remove husks before storage.
She winnowed the list of candidates to three finalists.
The breeze helped winnow the wheat efficiently.
His essay winnows facts from myths about the event.
Ancient tools like woven trays were used to winnow grain.