punka

British  

/ ˈpʌŋkə /

noun

1. a fan made of a palm leaf or leaves

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Etymology

Origin of punka

C17: from Hindi pankhā, from Sanskrit paksaka fan, from paksa wing

Example Sentences

You cannot, therefore, alter the natural rate of movement of a punka unless you pull it at both sides.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 595, May 28, 1887 by Various

Now, time, place, and mood being favorable, I called for the company hookah, and, extending the long Chinese chair, smoked myself to sleep under the punka.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 18, No. 110, December, 1866 A Magazine of Literature, Science, Art, and Politics by Various

This has nothing to do with ventilation; for if the punka were used in a closed room, it would still produce a cooling effect on the skin.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 595, May 28, 1887 by Various

We shall begin by directing our attention to the suspended punka, which is usually hung from the ceiling, and put in movement by a cord.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 595, May 28, 1887 by Various

An exquisite mingling of many odours passed continually over the Mission, from the garden of the Seed ranch, meeting and blending with the aroma of its magnolia buds and punka blossoms.

From The Octopus : A story of California by Norris, Frank