vane

vane

noun \ˈvān\

Definition of VANE

1

a : a movable device attached to an elevated object (as a spire) for showing the direction of the wind b : one that is changeable or inconstant

2

: a thin flat or curved object that is rotated about an axis by a flow of fluid or that rotates to cause a fluid to flow or that redirects a flow of fluid <the vanes of a windmill>

3

: the web or flat expanded part of a feather — see feather illustration

4

: a feather fastened to the shaft near the nock of an arrow

— vaned \ˈvānd\ adjective

Examples of VANE

1. the vanes of a windmill

Origin of VANE

Middle English (southern dialect), from Old English fana banner; akin to Old High German fano cloth, Latin pannus cloth, rag

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Climate/Meteorology Terms

monsoon, occlusion, ozone, rime, squall, zephyr