[AS., from L.] An instrument for blowing away chaff, or for moving the air to cause coolness, or to blow a fire. Ladies' French fans are made of ivory, mother-of-pearl, tortoise-shell, bone, gauze, or feathers. Cheap fans from India and China are palm leaves or split bamboo. Large machine fans, moved by steam power, are used for many purposes, and electric fans to cool large rooms in summer.