winnowing Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun the act of separating grain from chaff
   winnow; sifting.
   
   • the winnowing was done by women
2. verb separate the chaff from by using air currents
   fan; winnow.
   
   • She stood there winnowing chaff all day in the field
3. verb blow on
   winnow.
   
   • The wind was winnowing her hair
   • the wind winnowed the grass
4. verb select desirable parts from a group or list
   cull out; winnow.
   
   • cull out the interesting letters from the poet's correspondence
   • winnow the finalists from the long list of applicants
5. verb blow away or off with a current of air
   winnow.
   
   • winnow chaff

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