First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
vane
noun \ˈvān\
: a thin, flat or curved object that is attached to a wheel and that moves when air or water pushes it
Full 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
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Origin of VANE
Middle English (southern dialect), from Old English fana banner; akin to Old High German fano cloth, Latin pannus cloth, rag
Vane
biographical name \ˈvān\
Definition of VANE
Sir Henry 1613–1662 the Younger Eng. statesman
VANE Defined for Kids
vane
noun \ˈvān\
Definition of VANE for Kids
1
2
: a flat or curved surface that turns around a center when moved by wind or water <the vanes of a windmill>
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