winnowing

v. separate the grain from the chaff; separate the good from the bad; blow through; scatter; blow over; sift through, select the desirable parts

Wind winnowing is an agricultural method developed by ancient cultures for separating grain from chaff. It is also used to remove Weevils or other pests from stored grain.In its simplest form it involves throwing the mixture into the air so that the wind blows away the lighter chaff, while the heavier grains fall back down for recovery. Techniques included using a winnowing fan (a shaped basket shaken to raise the chaff) or using a tool (a winnowing fork or shovel) on a pile of harvested grain.
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Noun
1. the act of separating grain from chaff; "the winnowing was done by women"
(synonym) winnow, sifting
(hypernym) separation
(derivation) winnow, fan

Noun
1. the act of separating grain from chaff; "the winnowing was done by women"
(synonym) winnowing, sifting
(hypernym) separation
(derivation) fan
Verb
1. separate from chaff; "She stood there winnowing grain all day in the field"
(synonym) fan
(hypernym) sift, sieve, strain
(derivation) winnowing, sifting
2. blow on; "The wind was winnowing her hair"
(hypernym) fan
3. treat by exposure to a current of air so that waste matter is eliminated; "winnow grain"
(hypernym) process, treat
4. remove by a current of air; "winnow chaff"
(hypernym) remove, take, take away, withdraw

(p. pr. & vb. n.)
of Winnew
  

(n.)
The act of one who, or that which, winnows.
  

See: Agriculture