fan

I

[[t]fæn[/t]]

n. v. fanned, fan•ning

1) a device for producing a current of air by the movement of one or more broad surfaces

2) an implement of feathers, leaves, paper, etc., often in the shape of a triangle or a semicircle, for waving lightly in the hand to create a cooling current of air about the body

3) zool. anything resembling such an implement, as the tail of a bird

4) mac any of various electrical or mechanical devices consisting of vanes radiating from a central hub that revolves, producing a current of air

5) a series of revolving blades supplying air for winnowing or cleaning grain

6) to move or agitate (the air) with or as if with a fan

7) to cause air to blow upon, as from a fan; cool or refresh with or as if with a fan

8) to stir to activity; incite:

to fan emotions[/ex]

9) to blow upon:

A cool breeze fanned the shore[/ex]

10) to spread out like a fan

11) spo (of a baseball pitcher) to strike out (a batter)

12) to strike, swing, or brush lightly at something

13) to spread out like a fan:

The forest fire fanned out in all directions[/ex]

14) spo (of a baseball batter) to strike out

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Etymology: bef. 900; ME, OE fann < L vannus winnowing basket fan′like`, adj. fan′ner, n. II

fan

[[t]fæn[/t]] n.

an enthusiastic devotee or admirer of a sport, pastime, celebrity, etc.; enthusiast

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Etymology: 1885–90, amer.; short for fanatic