ruff

/ɹʌf/noun
Elementary
1

A circular frill or ruffle on a garment, especially a starched, fluted frill at the neck in Elizabethan and Jacobean England (1560s–1620s).

2

Anything formed with plaits or flutings like a frill.

3

A gregarious, medium-sized wading bird of species Calidris pugnax (syn. Philomachus pugnax), of Eurasia; specifically, a male of the species which develops a distinctive ruff of feathers and ear tufts during mating season (the female is called a reeve).

4

A set of lengthened or otherwise modified feathers on or around the neck of a bird.

5

A collar of lengthened or distinctively coloured fur on or around the neck of an animal.

6

A collar on a shaft or other piece to prevent endwise motion.

7

An exhibition of haughtiness or pride.

8

Tumultuous or wanton conduct or procedure.

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Rhymes

Words that share the same ending sound pattern

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing

#obsolete