1. a flat piece of metal that turns with the wind to show wind direction
2. a blade of a propeller, turbine, or similar rotating device
Usage: technical
3. the flat part on either side of the shaft of a feather
Usage: biology

Examples

• The weather vane on top of the barn pointed north.
• A rooster-shaped vane spun in the strong wind.
• The turbine’s vanes caught the rushing water.
• Each vane of the propeller was carefully balanced.
• The bird’s flight feathers have broad vanes for lift.
• Wind damaged several vanes on the old windmill.