Winnow

verb (used with object)
1.
to free (grain) from the lighter particles of chaff, dirt, etc., especially by throwing it into the air and allowing the wind or a forced current of air to blow away impurities.
2.
to drive or blow (chaff, dirt, etc.) away by fanning.
3.
to blow upon; fan.
4.
to subject to some process of separating or distinguishing; analyze critically; sift:
to winnow a mass of statements.
5.
to separate or distinguish (valuable from worthless parts) (sometimes followed by out):
to winnow falsehood from truth.
6.
to pursue (a course) with flapping wings in flying.
7.
to fan or stir (the air) as with the wings in flying.
verb (used without object)
8.
to free grain from chaff by wind or driven air.
9.
to fly with flapping wings; flutter.
noun
10.
a device or contrivance used for winnowing.
11.
an act of winnowing.
verb
1.
to separate (grain) from (chaff) by means of a wind or current of air
2.
(transitive) to examine in order to select the desirable elements
3.
(transitive) (archaic) to beat (the air) with wings
4.
(transitive) (rare) to blow upon; fan
noun
5.

a device for winnowing
the act or process of winnowing

Corn was winnowed, (1.) By being thrown up by a shovel against the wind. As a rule this was done in the evening or during the night, when the west wind from the sea was blowing, which was a moderate breeze and fitted for the purpose. The north wind was too strong, and the east wind came in gusts. (2.) By the use of a fan or van, by which the chaff was blown away (Ruth 3:2; Isa. 30:24; Jer. 4:11, 12; Matt. 3:12).