winnowing
 簸選


 Win·now v. t. [imp. & p. p. Winnowed p. pr. & vb. n. Winnowing.]
 1. To separate, and drive off, the chaff from by means of wind; to fan; as, to winnow grain.
    Ho winnoweth barley to-night in the threshing floor.   --Ruth. iii. 2.
 2. To sift, as for the purpose of separating falsehood from truth; to separate, as bad from good.
 Winnow well this thought, and you shall find
 This light as chaff that flies before the wind.   --Dryden.
 3. To beat with wings, or as with wings.[Poetic]
 Now on the polar winds; then with quick fan
 Winnows the buxom air.   --Milton.


 Win·now·ing, n. The act of one who, or that which, winnows.

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 winnowing
      n : the act of separating grain from chaff; "the winnowing was
          done by women" [syn: winnow, sifting]