vane

noun

1. mechanical device attached to an elevated structure; rotates freely to show the direction of the wind

   noun.artifact

   Synonyms weather vane weathervane wind vane

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. a fin attached to the tail of an arrow, bomb or missile in order to stabilize or guide it

   noun.artifact

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. flat surface that rotates and pushes against air or water

   noun.artifact

   Synonyms blade

   Source: WordNet 3.0

4. the flattened weblike part of a feather consisting of a series of barbs on either side of the shaft

   noun.animal

   Synonyms web

   Source: WordNet 3.0

5. A contrivance attached to some elevated object for the purpose of showing which way the wind blows; a weathercock. It is usually a plate or strip of metal, or slip of wood, often cut into some fanciful form, and placed upon a perpendicular axis around which it moves freely.

   noun

   Source: webster1913