Definition of: winnow

(win′ō) v.t.
1. To separate (grain, etc.) from the chaff by means of wind or a current of air.
2. To blow away (the chaff) thus.
3. To examine so as to separate good from bad; analyze minutely; sift.
4. To separate (what is valuable) from what is valueless, or to eliminate (what is valueless) from what is valuable; distinguish, sort: often with out.
5. To blow upon; cause to flutter.
6. To beat or fan (the air) with the wings.
7. To scatter by blowing; disperse.
8. Rare To proceed along (a course) by flapping the wings.
—v.i
9. To separate grain from chaff.
10. To fly; flap.
—noun
1. Any device used in winnowing grain.
2. The act of winnowing; also, a vibrating motion caused by a current of air. [OE windwian <wind the wind]
—win′now·er noun