Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Winnowed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🌾
Add to dictionary

winnowed

[ˈwɪnoʊd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

agricultural process

Winnowed refers to the process of separating grains from chaff, which is the husks of seeds and fruits. This method is commonly used in agriculture to ensure that the seeds are clean and ready for milling or planting. It often involves the use of a fan or wind to blow away the lighter chaff while the heavier grains fall to the ground. The term can also metaphorically imply filtering out unnecessary or unimportant elements from something.

Synonyms

cleaned, filtered, separated, sifted.

Examples of usage

  • They winnowed the rice to remove the chaff.
  • The farmer winnowed the wheat after the harvest.
  • After the analysis, we winnowed down the options.
  • She winnowed through the data for relevant information.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Agriculture

  • In ancient times, farmers would use a winnowing basket, tossing grain into the air so wind would carry away lighter pieces.
  • The process is essential during harvest to ensure that only clean, quality grain is stored for use.
  • Modern winnowing still occurs, but now often involves machinery that uses fans and vibrations to separate grain efficiently.

Language & Literature

  • Winnowing is often used metaphorically in writing to describe the process of refining ideas or selecting the most meaningful concepts.
  • Writers might 'winnow' through drafts, eliminating unnecessary words or sections to clarify their message.
  • This technique can be seen in many classic texts where the author distills their themes into the most impactful phrases.

Philosophy

  • The idea of winnowing can be linked to critical thinking, where one separates valid arguments or ideas from fallacies.
  • It represents a form of clarity, helping individuals discern truth from misinformation in various contexts.
  • Philosophers often emphasize the importance of winnowing wisdom through careful consideration of various viewpoints.

Science

  • Winnowing principles can also apply to biological sciences, such as in natural selection where less fit organisms are 'winnowed' from a population.
  • In data analysis, winnowing processes are employed to filter out noise and highlight significant findings.
  • The concept illustrates broader themes of optimization and refinement found in methodologies across scientific disciplines.

Origin of 'winnowed'

Main points about word origin

  • This term comes from Old English 'windwian', which means to fan or to blow, related to how air is used to separate grain from chaff.
  • It has roots in agricultural processes, illustrating how farmers would remove husks from grains using wind or fanning.
  • The word has evolved in language to represent metaphorical forms of separation, not just in farming.

The word 'winnowed' comes from the Old English term 'windwian', which means to separate by wind. It originally referred to an ancient agricultural practice used to separate cereal grains from their husks. The process was essential for early farmers who cultivated grains such as wheat and barley. Traditionally, after harvesting, the grains would be placed on a flat surface, and the wind would be used to blow away the chaff from the grains. This method was not only efficient but also crucial for food production. Over time, the term evolved from a literal agricultural context to a more figurative meaning, used to describe the action of separating valuable or relevant information from the less important ones in various fields.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,814 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.