1. n. & v.
--n.
1. a ruffling of the water's surface, a small wave or series of waves.
2 a gentle lively sound that rises and falls, e.g. of laughter or applause.
3 a wavy appearance in hair, material, etc.
4 Electr. a slight variation in the strength of a current etc.
5 ice-cream with added syrup giving a coloured ripple effect (raspberry ripple).
6 US a riffle in a stream.
--v.
1. a intr. form ripples; flow in ripples. b tr. cause to do this.
2 intr. show or sound like ripples.
Phrases and idioms:
ripple mark a ridge or ridged surface left on sand, mud, or rock by the action of water or wind.
Derivatives:
ripplet n. ripply adj.
Etymology: 17th c.: orig. unkn. 2. n. & v.
--n. a toothed implement used to remove seeds from flax.
--v.tr. treat with a ripple.
Etymology: corresp. to MDu. & MLG repel(en), OHG riffila, rifilon