ruffle
1. (Science: cell biology) projections at the leading edge of a crawling cell. In time lapse films the active edge appears to ruffle.
The protrusions are apparently supported by a microfilament meshwork and can move centripetally over the dorsal surface of a cell in culture.
2. (Science: zoology) The connected series of large egg capsules, or oothecae, of any one of several species of American marine gastropods of the genus Fulgur. See ootheca. Ruffle of a boot, the top turned down, and scalloped or plaited.
3. To make into a ruff; to draw or contract into puckers, plaits, or folds; to wrinkle. That which is ruffled; specifically, a strip of lace, cambric, or other fine cloth, plaited or gathered on one edge or in the middle, and used as a trimming; a frill.
4. A state of being ruffled or disturbed; disturbance; agitation; commotion; as, to put the mind in a ruffle.
5. To oughen or disturb the surface of; to make uneven by agitation or commotion. The fantastic revelries . . . That so often ruffled the placid bosom of the nile. (I. Taylor) She smoothed the ruffled seas. (Dryden)
Origin: From Ruff a plaited collar, a drum beat, a tumult: cf. OD. Ruyffelen to wrinkle.
Dictionary > Ruffle
You will also like...
Digestion and Absorption of Food
The gastrointestinal system breaks down particles of ingested food into molecular forms by enzymes through digestion and..
Lights’ Effect on Growth
This tutorial elaborates on the effect of light on plant growth. It describes how different plants require different amo..
Birth of a Human Baby
Following nine months inside the mother's womb is the birth of the baby. Know the different stages of the birthing proce..
A Balanced Vitamin Diet – Vitamins A – K
A balanced diet is essential to a healthy organism. Insufficiency or too much of a particular element or compound, such ..
Gibberellins and Gibberellic Acid
This tutorial describes the role of gibberellin family in plants. Find out the effects of gibberellin on plant growth an..
Soils
Nutrients in the soil are essential to the proper growth of a land plant. This tutorial deals with the properties of soi..