winnow crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "winnow" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "winnow crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
FAN: To separate chaff from grain using air current, a primary method of winnowing.
4 Letters
SIFT: To separate finer particles or undesirable elements, a common action related to winnowing.
CULL: To select and remove, often inferior or unwanted items, similar to the refinement aspect of winnowing.
WEED: To remove unwanted elements, much like winnowing removes impurities.
SORT: To arrange into categories or to separate something from a group, which is a broader meaning related to winnowing.
6 Letters
PURIFY: To make something clean or free from impurities, a key outcome of winnowing.
8 Letters
SEPARATE: To divide into distinct parts or elements, which is the core action of winnowing.
More About "winnow crossword clue"
The term "winnow" originates from agricultural practices, specifically the process of separating grain from chaff using wind. This literal meaning extends metaphorically to mean separating what is valuable or useful from what is not. In crosswords, clues for "winnow" often play on both these literal and figurative senses, requiring solvers to think about words related to separation, purification, selection, or removal.
Understanding the nuances of "winnow" can greatly assist in solving related clues. For instance, if the clue hints at a gentle separation, "FAN" might be the answer. If it implies careful selection, "CULL" or "SORT" could fit. And if the focus is on achieving a cleaner result, "PURIFY" or "CLEANSE" might be the target. Always consider the length of the required answer and any surrounding letters you've already filled in.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms: For "winnow," think of words like sift, fan, separate, purify, or cull. Many crossword clues are simply looking for a synonym of the given word.
- Check word length: Always match your potential answer's length with the number of blanks provided. This is the most crucial filter for correct answers.
- Context is key: Does the puzzle have a theme? Is it a specific type of crossword (e.g., cryptic, American-style)? Sometimes the broader context of the puzzle can provide subtle hints to the meaning of "winnow" in that specific instance.
- Think figuratively: "Winnow" isn't just about grain. It's often used metaphorically for sifting through information or ideas. Consider answers that fit this figurative sense too.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'winnow' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'winnow' typically refers to the act of separating valuable elements from less valuable ones, often involving the removal of impurities. Common synonyms include SIFT, FAN, CULL, SORT, and PURIFY.
Are there other common clues related to 'separation' in crosswords?
Yes, clues related to separation often use words like 'divide,' 'sort,' 'sieve,' 'filter,' 'isolate,' or 'detach.' Understanding these synonyms can help you recognize similar patterns in other puzzles.
How can understanding the etymology of 'winnow' help solve clues?
The word 'winnow' comes from 'wind' (as in air current) and relates to separating grain from chaff. Knowing this origin can sometimes point to answers like FAN or references to agricultural processes in more obscure clues.