| riffle | <chemical> A trough or sluice having cleats, grooves, or steps across the bottom for holding quicksilver and catching particles of gold when auriferous earth is washed; also, one of the cleats, grooves, or steps in such a trough. Also called ripple. Origin: CF. G. Riffeln, riefeln, to groove. Cf. Rifle a gun. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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