vane
vane definition
vane (vān)
noun
- a flat piece of metal, strip of cloth, etc. set up high to swing with the wind and show which way it is blowing; weather vane
- any of several flat or curved pieces set around an axle and rotated about it by moving air, water, etc. [the vanes of a windmill], or mechanically rotated to move the air or water [the vanes of a turbine] or to compress the air [the vanes of a supercharger]
- a projecting fixed or movable plate or strip of metal attached to a rocket, missile, etc. to provide stability or guidance
- a target set to slide on a leveling rod, for use in surveying
- any of the sights on a compass, quadrant, etc.
- the flat part of a feather with barbs; web
- a feather on an arrow, used to stabilize flight
Etymology: S Brit var. of fane, small flag or pennon < OE fana, a flag < PGmc *fanan- < IE base *pan- > pane
Related Forms:
- vaned adjective
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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