Collins English-English Dictionary

fan [fæn]

1. 1. n any device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or number of surfaces, esp a rotating device consisting of a number of blades attached to a central hub

2. 2. n a machine that rotates such a device

3. 3. n any of various hand-agitated devices for cooling onself, esp a collapsible semicircular series of flat segments of paper, ivory, etc

4. 4. n something shaped like such a fan, such as the tail of certain birds

5. 5. n [agriculture] a kind of basket formerly used for winnowing grain

6. 6. n a machine equipped with a fan for winnowing or cleaning grain

7. 7. vb [mainly tr] to cause a current of air, esp cool air, to blow upon, as by means of a fan

   to fan one's face

8. 8. vb to agitate or move (air, smoke, etc) with or as if with a fan

9. 9. vb to make fiercer, more ardent, etc

   fan one's passion

10. 10. vb [also intr; often foll by out] to spread out or cause to spread out in the shape of a fan

11. 11. vb to fire (an automatic gun) continuously by keeping the trigger depressed

12. 12. vb to fire (a nonautomatic gun) several times by repeatedly chopping back the hammer with the palm

13. 13. vb to winnow (grain) by blowing the chaff away from it

14. 14. vb [Etymology] Old English fann, from Latin vannus

fan [fæn]

1. 1. n an ardent admirer of a pop star, film actor, football team, etc

2. 2. n a devotee of a sport, hobby, etc

3. 3. n [Etymology] C17, re-formed C19: from fan(atic)