Collins English-English Dictionary

ripple ['rɪp^əl]

1. 1. n a slight wave or undulation on the surface of water

2. 2. n a small wave or undulation in fabric, hair, etc

3. 3. n a sound reminiscent of water flowing quietly in ripples

   a ripple of laughter

4. 4. n [electronics] an oscillation of small amplitude superimposed on a steady value

5. 5. n another word for riffle

6. 6. n another word for ripple mark

7. 7. vi. [US and Canadian] [intr] to form ripples or flow with a rippling or undulating motion

8. 8. vt. [tr] to stir up (water) so as to form ripples

9. 9. vt. [tr] to make ripple marks

10. 10. vi. [intr] (of sounds) to rise and fall gently

    her laughter rippled through the air

11. 11. vi. [Etymology] C17: perhaps from rip¹

ripple ['rɪp^əl]

1. 1. n a special kind of comb designed to separate the seed from the stalks in flax, hemp, or broomcorn

2. 2. vt. [tr] to comb with this tool

3. 3. vt. [Etymology] C14: of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch repelen, Middle High German reffen to ripple