Weather vane is a device that turns freely on an upright rod and points in the direction from which wind comes. It is also called a wind vane or weathercock. The weather vane is one of the oldest weather instruments and is often ornamental in shape.
The part of the vane which turns into the wind is usually shaped like an arrow. The other end is wide, so it will catch the smallest breeze. The breeze turns the arrow until it catches both sides of the wide end equally. Thus, the arrow always points into the wind. Below the arrow is a round plate on which the directions are marked. Some vanes, such as those used at weather stations, have electrical connections that record and display wind direction in a room that is far from the vane itself.
