Winnow (algorithm)
WordNet
noun
(1) The act of separating grain from chaff
"The winnowing was done by women"
verb
(2) Blow away or off with a current of air
"Winnow chaff"
(3) Select desirable parts from a group or list
"Cull out the interesting letters from the poet's correspondence"
"Winnow the finalists from the long list of applicants"
(4) Separate the chaff from by using air currents
"She stood there winnowing chaff all day in the field"
(5) Blow on
"The wind was winnowing her hair"
"The wind winnowed the grass"
WiktionaryText
Verb
- To subject grain to a current of air in order to drive off chaff and refuse.
- To subject (grain) to a current of air in order to drive off chaff and refuse.
- To separate, sift, analyze, or test in this manner.
- To blow upon or toss about by blowing; to set in motion as with a fan or wings.
- To move about with a flapping motion, as of wings; to flutter.
- To wave to and fro; to flutter; to flap.
Noun
- That which winnows or which is used in winnowing; a contrivance for fanning or winnowing grain.