1ripple1 (ˈrɪpəll
)
Definitions
noun
- a slight wave or undulation on the surface of water
- a small wave or undulation in fabric, hair, etc
- a sound reminiscent of water flowing quietly in ripples ⇒
a ripple of laughter
- electronics an oscillation of small amplitude superimposed on a steady value
- US Canadian another word for riffle (sense 4)
- another word for ripple mark
verb
- (intr) to form ripples or flow with a rippling or undulating motion
- (tr) to stir up (water) so as to form ripples
- (tr) to make ripple marks
- (intr) (of sounds) to rise and fall gently ⇒
her laughter rippled through the air
Alternative Forms
ˈrippler noun ˈrippling adjective ˈripplingly adverb ˈripply adjective Word Origin
C17: perhaps from ripC17: perhaps from 1
2ripple2 (ˈrɪpəll)
Definitions
noun
- a special kind of comb designed to separate the seed from the stalks in flax, hemp, or broomcorn
verb
- (tr) to comb with this tool
Alternative Forms
ˈrippler noun Word Origin
C14: of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch repelen , Middle High German reffen to ripple
