rip·ple / ˈripəl/ • n. 1. a small wave or series of waves on the surface of water, esp. as caused by an object dropping into it or a slight breeze. ∎  a thing resembling such a wave or series of waves in appearance or movement: the sand undulated and was ridged with ripples. ∎  a gentle rising and falling sound, esp. of laughter or conversation, that spreads through a group of people: a ripple of laughter ran around the room. ∎  a particular feeling or effect that spreads through or to someone or something: his words set off a ripple of excitement within her. ∎  Physics a wave on a fluid surface, the restoring force for which is provided by surface tension rather than gravity, and that consequently has a wavelength shorter than that corresponding to the minimum speed of propagation. ∎  Physics small periodic, usually undesirable, variations in electrical voltage superposed on a direct voltage or on an alternating voltage of lower frequency.2. a type of ice cream with wavy lines of colored flavored syrup running through it: raspberry ripple.• v. [intr.] (of water) form or flow with small waves on the surface: the Mediterranean rippled and sparkled | [as adj.] (rippling) the rippling waters. ∎  [tr.] cause (the surface of water) to form small waves: a cool wind rippled the surface of the estuary. ∎  move or cause to move in a way resembling such waves: [intr.] fields of grain rippling in the wind. ∎  [intr.] (of a sound or feeling) spread through a person, group, or place: applause rippled around the tables. ∎  [as adj.] (rippled) having the appearance of small waves: a broad noodle, rippled on both sides, wider than fettuccine.DERIVATIVES: rip·plet / ˈriplit/ n.rip·ply / ˈrip(ə)lē/ adj.

ripple Small-scale ridge of sand produced by flowing water, wind motion, or wave action. The wavelength or spacing of ripple crests is usually less than 50 cm and the heights are less than 20 cm. Ripple form can be described by the wavelength to height ratio, referred to as the ripple index. The migration of ripples leads to the formation of cross-lamination in sands. See also DUNE BEDFORM.

ripple (of water) present a surface of small waves. XVII.
Hence sb. U.S. piece of shallow water in a river where rocks cause obstruction; light ruffling of the surface of water XVIII. of unkn. orig.

ripple A small-scale ridge of sand produced by flowing water, wind motion, or wave action. The wavelength or spacing of ripple crests is usually less than 50 cm and the heights are less than 20 cm.