Definitions for the word "Fan" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
An instrument used for producing artificial currents of air, by the wafting or revolving motion of a broad surface
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
An instrument for winnowing grain, by moving which the grain is tossed and agitated, and the chaff is separated and blown away.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
Something in the form of a fan when spread, as a peacock's tail, a window, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
A small vane or sail, used to keep the large sails of a smock windmill always in the direction of the wind.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
A quintain; -- from its form.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
To move as with a fan.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
To cool and refresh, by moving the air with a fan; to blow the air on the face of with a fan.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
To ventilate; to blow on; to affect by air put in motion.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
To winnow; to separate chaff from, and drive it away by a current of air; as, to fan wheat.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. n.
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: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. n.
1 apparatus, usu. With rotating blades, for ventilation etc. 2 folding semicircular device waved to cool oneself. 3 thing spread out like a fan (fan tracery). v. (-nn-) 1 blow air on, with or as with a fan. 2 (of a breeze) blow gently on. 3 (usu. Foll. By out) spread out like a fan. [latin vannus winnowing-basket]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
15. n.
Devotee of a particular activity, performer, etc. (film fan). [abbreviation of *fanatic]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
16. slang
a waistcoat.—_Houndsditch term._
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
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Additional Info
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