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Definitions for: Vane [n] the flattened weblike part of a feather consisting of a series of barbs on either side of the shaft
[n] flat surface that rotates and pushes against air or water
[n] mechanical device attached to an elevated structure; rotates freely to show the direction of the wind
Webster (1913) Definition: Vane, n. [OE. & E. Prov. E. fane weathercock, banner, AS.
fana a banner, flag; akin to D. vaan, G. fahne, OHG. fano
cloth, gund fano flag, Icel. f[=a]ni, Sw. fana, Dan. fane,
Goth. fana cloth, L. pannus, and perhaps to Gr.? a web, ? a
bobbin, spool. Cf. Fanon, Pane a compartment, panel.]
1. A contrivance attached to some elevated object for the
purpose of showing which way the wind blows; a
weathercock. It is usually a plate or strip of metal, or
slip of wood, often cut into some fanciful form, and
placed upon a perpendicular axis around which it moves
freely.
Aye undiscreet, and changing as a vane. --Chaucer.
2. Any flat, extended surface attached to an axis and moved
by the wind; as, the vane of a windmill; hence, a similar
fixture of any form moved in or by water, air, or other
fluid; as, the vane of a screw propeller, a fan blower, an
anemometer, etc.
3. (Zo["o]l.) The rhachis and web of a feather taken
together.
4. One of the sights of a compass, quadrant, etc.
Vane of a leveling staff. (Surv.) Same as Target, 3.
Synonyms: blade, weather vane, weathervane, web, wind vane
See Also: aerogenerator, barb, blade, chopper, eggbeater, fan blade, feather, helicopter, impeller, mechanical device, oar, paddle, plumage, plume, propeller, propellor, rotating mechanism, rudder blade, turbine, weathercock, whirlybird, wind generator, wind tee, windmill
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