fan Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces
  2. noun an enthusiastic devotee of sports
    sports fan; rooter.
  3. noun an ardent follower and admirer
    devotee; lover; buff.
  4. verb strike out (a batter), (of a pitcher)
  5. verb make (an emotion) fiercer
    • fan hatred
  6. verb agitate the air
  7. verb separate the chaff from by using air currents
    winnow.
    • She stood there winnowing chaff all day in the field

WordNet

Fan noun
Etymology
AS. fann, fr. L. vannus fan, van for winnowing grain; cf. F. van. Cf. Van a winnowing machine, Winnow.
Definitions
  1. An instrument used for producing artificial currents of air, by the wafting or revolving motion of a broad surface; as: (a) 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. (b) (Mach.) 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. (c) An instrument for winnowing grain, by moving which the grain is tossed and agitated, and the chaff is separated and blown away. (d) Something in the form of a fan when spread, as a peacock's tail, a window, etc. (e) A small vane or sail, used to keep the large sails of a smock windmill always in the direction of the wind.
    Clean provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan. Is. xxx. 24.
  2. 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.
  3. A quintain; -- from its form. Obs. Chaucer.
Fan transitive verb
Etymology
Cf. OF. vanner, L. vannere. See Fan, n., Van a winnowing machine.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Fanned ; present participle & verbal noun Fanning
Definitions
  1. To move as with a fan.
    The air . . . fanned with unnumbered plumes. Milton.
  2. To cool and refresh, by moving the air with a fan; to blow the air on the face of with a fan.
  3. To ventilate; to blow on; to affect by air put in motion.
    Calm as the breath which fans our eastern groves. Dryden.
  4. To winnow; to separate chaff from, and drive it away by a current of air; as, to fan wheat. Jer. li. 2.
  5. To excite or stir up to activity, as a fan axcites a flame; to stimulate; as, this conduct fanned the excitement of the populace.

Webster 1913