vane

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun mechanical device attached to an elevated structure; rotates freely to show the direction of the wind
  2. noun a fin attached to the tail of an arrow, bomb or missile in order to stabilize or guide it
  3. noun flat surface that rotates and pushes against air or water

Etymology

From Middle English vane, Southern Middle English variant of fane, from Old English fana (“cloth, banner, flag”), from Proto-West Germanic *fanō, from Proto-Germanic *fanô, from Proto-Indo-European *peh₂n- (“something woven; weave; tissue; fabric; cloth”). Cognate with Saterland Frisian Foone (“flag, banner”), Dutch vaan (“banner, flag”), German Low German Fahn (“flag”), German Fahne. Doublet of obsolete fane (“weathercock; banner”) and fanon.

In classic literature

Synonyms

weathervane, weather vane, wind vane

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