noun

ripple

ripple, wavelet, repercussion

A stone created a ripple in the pond.

A stone created a ripple in the pond.

His decision had a ripple effect.

His decision had a ripple effect.

a ripple in/on ((sth.)) a small wave on the surface of (sth.) A stone created a ripple in the pond.

a ripple of ((sth.)) a feeling or effect that spreads A ripple of laughter went through the crowd.

Synonyms: wavelet, undulation, wave; Antonyms: calm, stillness

Of uncertain origin, possibly related to 'rip' in the sense of tearing or agitating a surface. The sense of a small wave appeared in the 17th century.

Imagine dropping a pebble and seeing the little 'ripples' spread out like rings.

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