Ven"ti*late (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ventilated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Ventilating.] [L. ventilatus, p. p. of ventilare to toss, brandish in the air, to fan, to winnow, from ventus wind; akin to E. wind. See Wind rushing air.]

1.

To open and expose to the free passage of air; to supply with fresh air, and remove impure air from; to air; as, to ventilate a room; to ventilate a cellar; to ventilate a mine.

2.

To provide with a vent, or escape, for air, gas, etc.; as, to ventilate a mold, or a water-wheel bucket.

3.

To change or renew, as the air of a room.

Harvey.

4.

To winnow; to fan; as, to ventilate wheat.

5.

To sift and examine; to bring out, and subject to penetrating scrutiny; to expose to examination and discussion; as, to ventilate questions of policy.

Ayliffe.

6.

To give vent; to utter; to make public.

Macaulay took occasion to ventilate one of those starling, but not very profound, paradoxes. J. C. Shairp.

 

© Webster 1913.