The word "Winnower" (/'wɪnəʊə/) is spelled with two "n"s in the middle, despite the fact that it is pronounced with only one syllabic "n" sound. This is because the word originated from the Middle English "winouren," which had two "n"s. Over time, the word underwent various changes in pronunciation, but the spelling remained the same. "Winnower" refers to a person or machine that separates the chaff from the grain, typically by blowing air through them.
A winnower is a noun that refers to a device or a person involved in the process of winnowing. Winnowing itself is a term used in various fields and contexts, such as agriculture, cooking, and technology, but it essentially involves the separation of desirable elements from undesirable ones.
In the field of agriculture, a winnower typically describes a machine or tool used to separate chaff, husks, or unwanted debris from grains or seeds. The winnower achieves this by creating airflow that carries the lighter and less desirable elements away, leaving behind the desired product. This process is commonly used in the production of cereals, legumes, and other agricultural products, both on a small scale by traditional farmers and on a large scale by modern industrial operations.
Beyond agriculture, winnowing can also refer to the removal of impurities or unwanted parts. In cooking, a winnower can be an utensil, such as a sieve or strainer, used to separate bran or fine particles from flour or to remove impurities from powdered ingredients. In the context of technology, winnowing can refer to the process of eliminating unnecessary or undesirable information or data, often performed by software algorithms or filters.
Overall, a winnower is an essential device or individual responsible for the separation of desirable elements from unwanted or undesirable ones across various fields and industries.
One who or that which winnows.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "winnower" comes from the Middle English term "winouren", which is derived from the Old English word "windwian". "Windwian" means "to separate by exposure to wind", and it is related to the Old Norse word "vinda", meaning "to wind or turn". The term "winnower" originally referred to someone or something that uses wind or air to separate grain from chaff by tossing it into the air, allowing the wind to blow away the lighter chaff while the heavier grains fell back down. Over time, the term "winnower" has been expanded to include various machines and tools used for this process.