Definition of ravel

competent Definition: (adjective) having the skill and knowledge needed for a particular task; capable Petersons.com

Add Word of the Day to your personalized My Yahoo! page: About My Yahoo! and RSS »

Email this page to a friend

< rave

Ravel, (Joseph) Maurice >

rav·el    (rvl) KEY  

VERB:
rav·eled , also rav·elled rav·el·ing , rav·el·ling rav·els , rav·els
VERB:
tr.

1. To separate the fibers or threads of (cloth, for example); unravel.
2. To clarify by separating the aspects of.
3. To tangle or complicate.

VERB:
intr.

1. To become separated into its component threads; unravel or fray.
2. To become tangled or confused.

NOUN:

1. A raveling.
2. A broken or discarded thread.
3. A tangle.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Obsolete Dutch ravelen, from ravel, loose thread

OTHER FORMS:
ravel·er or ravel·ler (Noun)

Visit our partner's site

	Provided by Houghton Mifflin eReference -- Download this interactive reference software to your desktop computer

Search Dictionary:

More on Yahoo! Education

• Online and On-Campus Degree Programs     MBAs  -  Technology Management  -  Education  -  Health  -  More  • College & Grad School - A Comprehensive Guide     College Search  -  Test Prep  -  Application Tips  -  Scholarship Search