A small wave or series of waves on the surface of water. Also refers to a spreading effect or influence that extends outward from a central point.
Middle English, possibly from 'rip' meaning to tear or scratch, referring to the surface disturbance of water. Related to Middle Dutch 'rippelen' meaning to wrinkle or corrugate.
The 'ripple effect' metaphor perfectly captures how small actions can have far-reaching consequences, like a pebble creating expanding circles across a pond. Physicists study ripples to understand wave mechanics and fluid dynamics.
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