Emily Dickinson Lexicon

VEN'TI-LATE, v.t. [L. ventilo, from ventus, wind; Fr. ventiler.]

1. To fan with wind; to open and expose to the free passage of air or wind; as, to ventilate a room; to ventilate a cellar.
2. To cause the air to pass through; as, to ventilate a mine.
3. To winnow; to fan; as, to ventilate wheat.
4. To examine; to discuss; that is, to agitate; as, to ventilate questions of policy. [Not now in use.]