fans

A hand-held device consisting of concertinaed material, or slats of material, gathered together at one end, that may be opened out into the shape of a sector of a circle and waved back and forth in order to move air towards oneself and cool oneself.

An electrical or mechanical device for moving air, used for cooling people, machinery, etc.

The action of fanning; agitation of the air.

Anything resembling a hand-held fan in shape, e.g., a peacock’s tail.

An instrument for winnowing grain, by moving which the grain is tossed and agitated, and the chaff is separated and blown away.

A small vane or sail, used to keep the large sails of a smock mill always in the direction of the wind.

A section of a tree having a finite number of branches

To blow air on (something) by means of a fan (hand-held, mechanical or electrical) or otherwise.

“We enjoyed standing at the edge of the cliff, being fanned by the wind.”

To slap (a behind, especially).

(usually to fan out) To move or spread in multiple directions from one point, in the shape of a hand-held fan.

To dispel by waving a hand-held fan.

“I attempted to fan the disagreeable odour out of the room.”

To perform a maneuver that involves flicking the top rear of an old-style gun.

(metaphoric) To invigorate, like flames when fanned.

To winnow grain.

A person who is fond of something or someone, especially an admirer of a performer or aficionado of a sport.

“I am a big fan of libraries.”