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Definition of wind vane

wind vane

Plural:wind vanes
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wind vane Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A mechanical device, typically consisting of an asymmetrical pointer or flat blade mounted on an elevated vertical axis, that rotates freely to indicate the direction of the wind.

Example

"The students built a simple wind vane out of cardboard and a pin to observe the changing weather patterns."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for wind vane

• Nearby Words

winchester
wind
wind chime
wind vane
windflower
windhoek
windmill

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed by combining 'wind' (from Old English 'wind') and 'vane' (from Old English 'fana', meaning 'banner' or 'flag'). Historically, cloth banners were used to show wind direction before metal indicators became standard.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Wind vane. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/wind vane
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