Search results for 'wind':

wind¹ noun 1 the movement of air, especially horizontally, across the Earth's surface as a result of differences in atmospheric pressure between one location and another. 2 a current of air produced artificially, by a fan, etc. 3 an influence that seems to pervade events • a wind of change. 4 one's breath or breath supply • short of wind. 5 the scent of game or, for animals, the scent of a hunter or predator, carried by the wind. 6 gas built up in the intestines; flatulence. 7 empty, pompous or trivial talk. 8 a the wind instruments of an orchestra; b (also winds) the players of these. verb (winded, winding) 1 to deprive someone of breath temporarily, eg by a punch or fall. 2 to burp (a baby). before the wind said of a ship: sailing with the wind coming from behind it. break wind to discharge intestinal gas through the anus. cast, fling or throw something to the winds 1 to scatter or throw it away recklessly. 2 to abandon (caution, restraint or prudence, etc). down wind from something receiving, or able to receive, air laden with the smell or pollutants, etc from it. get wind of something to have one's suspicions aroused or hear a rumour, especially of something unfavourable or unwelcome. get the wind up colloq to become nervous, anxious or alarmed. get one's second wind to sufficiently recover one's breath after an initial exertion to carry on with ease. in the wind about to happen. like the wind swiftly. put the wind up someone colloq to make them nervous, anxious or alarmed. sail close to or near the wind see under sail. see which way the wind blows to assess current opinions or likely developments, etc. take the wind out of someone's sails to thwart their confident progress; to deflate or humble them. wind or winds of change a pervasive influence bringing change.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon.

wind² verb (wound , winding) 1 (often wind round or up) tr & intr to wrap or coil, or be wrapped or coiled. 2 tr & intr to progress on a path with many twists and turns. 3 (also wind something up) to tighten the spring of (a clock, watch or other clockwork device) by turning a knob or key. noun 1 the state of being wound. 2 a turn, coil or twist.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon windan.