[fan], (Noun)

Definitions:
- an apparatus with rotating blades that creates a current of air for cooling or ventilation
(e.g: a couple of ceiling fans, lazily turning)

- a handheld device, typically folding and shaped like a segment of a circle when spread out, that is waved so as to cool the person holding it
(e.g: the girls were giggling behind their fans)


Phrases:
- fan the flames

Origin:
Old English fann (as a noun denoting a device for winnowing grain), fannian (verb), from Latin vannus ‘winnowing fan’. Compare with vane

[fan], (Verb)

Definitions:
- cool (someone or something) by waving an object to create a current of air
(e.g: he fanned himself with his hat)

- increase the strength of (a fire) by blowing on it or stirring up the air near it
(e.g: fanned by an easterly wind, the fire spread rapidly)

- disperse or radiate from a central point to cover a wide area
(e.g: the arriving passengers began to fan out through the town in search of lodgings)


Phrases:
- fan the flames

Origin:
Old English fann (as a noun denoting a device for winnowing grain), fannian (verb), from Latin vannus ‘winnowing fan’. Compare with vane

[fan], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a person who has a strong interest in or admiration for a particular person or thing
(e.g: football fans)


Phrases:

Origin:
late 19th century (originally US): abbreviation of fanatic