wind vane

wind vane — phrase

1. one of the sail-like parts on a traditional windmill that catches moving air and

1.片語C1
釋義

one of the sail-like parts on a traditional windmill that catches moving air and helps turn the mill's machinery

例句

During repairs, Lakshmi checked each wind vane for torn cloth on the old mill.

wind vane as a cloth-covered mill sail

The farmer built a new wind vane after one sail split in the storm.

同義詞
  • sail

    the usual windmill term for one cloth-covered arm

  • blade

    a broader modern term that is less exact for older cloth sails

文法句型

a wind vane on the mill

replace a wind vane

the wind vane caught the breeze

用法筆記

Mostly found in historical or technical descriptions of traditional mills. Distinguish it from sense 2, which names the object that shows wind direction.

2. a turning device fixed high on a building that shows the direction the wind is c

2.片語B2
釋義

a turning device fixed high on a building that shows the direction the wind is coming from

例句

From the yard, Rafael saw the wind vane on the barn pointing east.

show wind direction from a high point

Before the picnic, Bao checked the roof wind vane to judge the changing wind.

同義詞
  • weather vane

    the fuller and more common name for this device

  • weathercock

    a traditional form with a rooster shape on top

文法句型

a wind vane on the barn

the wind vane pointed east

check the wind vane

用法筆記

Usually refers to the metal or wooden marker mounted on a roof, barn, or tower. Distinguish it from sense 1, which is a sail on a windmill.

常見錯誤

The wind vane shows where the wind is going.
The wind vane shows which direction the wind is coming from.
💡Wind direction is named by the direction the air comes from, not the direction it travels to.