1. plural of vane; flat pieces that move or are moved by wind or water, especially the blades of a windmill or weather vane
2. the flat parts of feathers that extend from the central shaft
Usage: biology

Examples

• The windmill’s vanes turned slowly in the gentle breeze.
• The weather vane’s directional vanes pointed north.
• Strong winds damaged several vanes on the old windmill.
• The bird’s flight feathers have broad vanes for efficient flight.
• Metal vanes on the turbine captured the wind’s energy.
• The rooster weather vane had four directional vanes beneath it.