vane

noun
UK: /veɪn/
US: /veɪn/

  1. A flat, usually wide, piece of metal or plastic that is attached to a device so that it turns when air or water moves against it.

    1. The wind turned the weather vane, showing the wind's direction.
    2. The turbine uses a series of vanes to capture the wind's energy efficiently for electricity generation.

  2. A strip of material forming part of a feather.

    1. The bird preened its feathers, smoothing each vane carefully.
    2. Microscopic structures on the vane of a feather help the bird fly silently.

  3. Something that shows changes in feelings or opinions.

    1. He is a weather vane, easily swayed by public opinion.
    2. Politicians must be wary of being seen as political vanes, shifting positions too readily.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "vane" in English means: A flat, usually wide, piece of metal or plastic that is attached to a device so that it turns when air or water moves against it., A strip of material forming part of a feather., Something that shows changes in feelings or opinions..

The phonetic transcription of "vane" is /veɪn/ in British English and /veɪn/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Example usage of "vane": "The wind turned the weather vane, showing the wind's direction.". More examples on the page.