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

The swinging punka is one of the simplest forms of mechanism; it can be fitted up with the most primitive materials, and however badly made, it will always have some effect.

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

Here, for the first time, he saw a punka, or monster fan, worked by a rope, and hung from the ceiling of a room.

From Harper's Young People, May 11, 1880 An Illustrated Weekly by Various

The function of a punka is to cause a current of air to pass the human body so that the animal heat may escape more rapidly.

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

So the punka is seen everywhere—in the temple and court room and other public places, as well as in private dwellings.

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

There sat the punka wala nodding, fast asleep, but keeping his arms moving all the time.

From Harper's Young People, August 3, 1880 An Illustrated Weekly by Various