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ravel out

 - 2 dictionary results

rav⋅el

  [rav-uhl] verb, -eled, -el⋅ing or (especially British) -elled, -el⋅ling, noun
Use ravel out in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to disentangle or unravel the threads or fibers of (a woven or knitted fabric, rope, etc.).
2. to tangle or entangle.
3. to involve; confuse; perplex.
4. to make clear; unravel (often fol. by out).
–verb (used without object)
5. to become disjoined thread by thread or fiber by fiber; fray.
6. to become tangled.
7. to become confused or perplexed.
8. (of a road surface) to lose aggregate.
–noun
9. a tangle or complication.
Origin:
1575–85; < D rafelen

Related forms:
rav⋅el⋅er; especially British, rav⋅el⋅ler, noun
rav⋅el⋅ly, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To ravel out
Word Origin & History

ravel 
1582, "to untangle, unwind," also "to become tangled or confused" (1585), from Du. ravelen "to tangle, fray, unweave," from rafel "frayed thread." The seemingly contradictory senses of this word (ravel and unravel are both synonyms and antonyms) are reconciled by its roots in weaving and sewing: as threads become unwoven, they get tangled.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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