ripple

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rip|ple /r'ɪpəl/ (ripples rippling rippled)
1 [N-COUNT]
Ripples are little waves on the surface of water caused by the wind or by something moving in or on the water.
2 [VERB] V, V n
When the surface of an area of water ripples or when something ripples it, a number of little waves appear on it.
You throw a pebble in a pool and it ripples...
I could see the dawn breeze rippling the shining water.
3 [VERB] V prep
If something such as a feeling ripples over someone's body, it moves across it or through it. (LITERARY)
A chill shiver rippled over his skin.
4 [N-COUNT] usu pl, with supp
If an event causes ripples, its effects gradually spread, causing several other events to happen one after the other.
The ripples of Europe's currency crisis continue to be felt in most of the member states...rip|ple ef|fect (ripple effects)
[N-COUNT]
If an event or action has a ripple effect, it causes several other events to happen one after the other.
Delayed flights have a ripple effect. Just one late flight could be carrying passengers for a dozen connecting services.
= knock-on effect

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