/ ʌnˈrævl; NAmE / verb ( -ll- , NAmE -l- )
1.
if you unravel threads that are twisted, woven or knitted, or if they unravel , they become separated :
[ vn ]
I unravelled the string and wound it into a ball.
[also v ]
2.
[ v ] ( of a system, plan, relationship, etc. ) to start to fail or no longer stay together as a whole
3.
to explain sth that is difficult to understand or is mysterious; to become clearer or easier to understand :
[ vn ]
The discovery will help scientists unravel the mystery of the Ice Age.
[also v ]