An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

In 3D → magnetic reconnection models of solar plasma, a plane or curve surface composed of magnetic field lines emanating from the → magnetic null point (almost radially in the absence of electric currents and spirally if electric currents are present). See also → spine (Lau & Finn. 1990, ApJ 350, 672; Parnell et al. 1996, Physics of Plasmas 3, 759).

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.E. fann, from L. vannus “a basket or shovel for winnowing grain,” related to ventus, → wind.

Etymology (PE): Bâdzan “fan, ventilator,” from bâd, → wind + zan from zadan “to strike, beat; to play an instrument; to do” (Mid.Pers. zatan, žatan; O.Pers./Av. jan-, gan- “to strike, hit, smite, kill” (jantar- “smiter”); cf.
Skt. han- “to strike, beat” (hantar- “smiter, killer”);
Gk. theinein “to strike;” L. fendere “to strike, push;” Gmc. *gundjo “war, battle;” PIE *g^when- “to strike, kill”).