An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

An object that is balanced on a rotating axis and indicates the direction of the wind. Also called a weather vane.

Etymology (EN): → wind + vane “a blade, plate,” O.E. fana</i< “flag, weather-cock;” cf. Goth. fana “piece of cloth,” O.H.G. fano, Ger. Fahne “flag, standard.”

Etymology (PE): Bbâdnemâ “wind indicator,” from bâd, → wind, + nemâ, from nemudan, → planetarium.