Definitions

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun The act of one who, or that which, winnows.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • verb Present participle of winnow.
  • noun The act of separating chaff from grain.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun the act of separating grain from chaff

Etymologies

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Examples

  • The art and science of that winnowing is yet another big part of being an editor, but it's materially different than what was described above, relying on a lot of emotional and professional judgment.

    MIND MELD: Behind the Scenes...How the Hottest Short Fiction Anthologies Are Created (Part 1) 2009

  • The traditional method of threshing by treading out of the grain with bullocks, followed by winnowing, is now inadequate for threshing the increased volume of wheat before the onset of the monsoon rains.

    Norman Borlaug - Nobel Lecture 1970

  • Now this fierce wind shall come against them, not to fan, nor cleanse them, not such a gentle wind as is used in winnowing corn, but a full wind (v. 12), a strong and violent wind, blowing full upon them.

    Commentary on the Whole Bible Volume IV (Isaiah to Malachi) 1721

  • At the heart of the winnowing is the shifting economics of the daily-deals business.

    Get 'Em While They Last: 'Daily Deal' Sites Dying Fast Shayndi Raice 2011

  • Apparently the story has made it into their 3rd and final stage of reading called winnowing, which only about 10% of stories make it to.

    Archive 2009-04-01 David Steffen 2009

  • The winnowing is a sign that one of the biggest forces undercutting the indie market - the glut of mediocre films pushed as masterpieces - may finally be undergoing a correction.

    Local News from Tuscaloosa News 2010

  • The winnowing is a sign that one of the biggest forces undercutting the indie market - the glut of mediocre films pushed as masterpieces - may finally be undergoing a correction.

    Local News from Tuscaloosa News 2010

  • It's part of the movie universe, but a good demonstration of this kind of winnowing of the human population is depicted in "When Worlds Collide".

    WELCOME ABOARD SPACESHIP UK! Toby O'B 2010

  • He's more clinical – he looks at humanity as a whole, and thinks a little "winnowing" would be good for the environment (and for humanity's survival, as well).

    A Promise 2006

  • Like any political party, the necessity for group identity forces "winnowing" definitions.

    Instant Empathy? Steven Barnes 2008

Comments

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  • To rid of undesirable parts.

    November 26, 2007