ruffle definition

1. <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. <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.

(01 Mar 1998)