Word info Synonyms Antonyms

fan

Speech parts

1. fan - Noun

2. fan - Verb

3. Fan - Proper noun

Meaning

An instrument used for producing artificial currents of air, by the wafting or revolving motion of a broad surface

An instrument for cooling the person, made of feathers, paper, silk, etc., and often mounted on sticks all turning about the same pivot, so as when opened to radiate from the center and assume the figure of a section of a circle.

Any revolving vane or vanes used for producing currents of air, in winnowing grain, blowing a fire, ventilation, etc., or for checking rapid motion by the resistance of the air; a fan blower; a fan wheel.

An instrument for winnowing grain, by moving which the grain is tossed and agitated, and the chaff is separated and blown away.

Something in the form of a fan when spread, as a peacock's tail, a window, etc.

A small vane or sail, used to keep the large sails of a smock windmill always in the direction of the wind.

That which produces effects analogous to those of a fan, as in exciting a flame, etc.; that which inflames, heightens, or strengthens; as, it served as a fan to the flame of his passion.

A quintain; -- from its form.

To move as with a fan.

To cool and refresh, by moving the air with a fan; to blow the air on the face of with a fan.

To ventilate; to blow on; to affect by air put in motion.

To winnow; to separate chaff from, and drive it away by a current of air; as, to fan wheat.

To excite or stir up to activity, as a fan axcites a flame; to stimulate; as, this conduct fanned the excitement of the populace.

Source: Webster's dictionary

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Examples

I've never been a fan of just doing. I like to do things for a reason. Jude Law

Fan the sinking flame of hilarity with the wing of friendship; and pass the rosy wine. Charles Dickens

All literary men are Red Sox fans-to be a Yankee fan in a literate society is to endanger your life. John Cheever

Even the elephant can fan off flies with its short tail. Ghana Proverb

So many years playing the marquise and she still doesn't know how to wave a fan. Salvadoran Proverb

You cannot clear fog with a fan. French Proverb

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