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ripple1 definition

rip·ple (ripəl)

intransitive verb rippled -·pled, rippling -·pling

    1. to form or have little waves or undulating movements on the surface, as water or grass stirred by a breeze
    2. to flow with such waves or movements on the surface
    3. to be formed or set in small folds or waves, as cloth or hair
  1. to give the effect of rippling water, as by alternately rising and falling laughter rippling through the hall

Etymology: prob. < rip + -le, sense

transitive verb

  1. to cause to ripple
  2. to give a wavy form or appearance to
  3. to make (a sound, tone, etc.) that ripples

noun

  1. a small wave or undulation, as on the surface of water
  2. a movement, appearance, or formation suggesting this
  3. a sound like that of rippling water
  4. a small rapid in a stream

Related Forms:

ripple2 definition

rip·ple (ripəl)

transitive verb rippled -·pled, rippling -·pling

to remove the seeds from (flax, hemp, etc.) with a toothed implement resembling a comb

Etymology: ME rypelen < or akin to MLowG or MDu repelen, akin to OHG riffilon, to scrape, riffila, a saw < IE *reib- > reap

noun

such an implement

Related Forms:

Ripple definition

Rip·ple (ripəl)

a brand of cheap wine

noun

any cheap wine

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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