Fan
/fæn/noun
A handheld device or apparatus that creates a current of air, or a person who is an enthusiastic admirer of someone or something.
Did you know?The admiration sense of *fan* is a shortening of *fanatic*, so the modern super-fan is etymologically tied to religious frenzy and ecstatic obsession.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
fann
“A winnowing basket or fan used to toss grain into the air and separate it from chaff.”
Late Latin
LL
vannus
“A winnowing fan or basket.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*webʰ-
“To weave or plait; the source of the woven basket shape.”
17th Century
English
fan
“A device for blowing air, especially a handheld folding fan.”
19th Century
English
fan
“A shortened form of fanatic, meaning an enthusiastic admirer or devotee.”