rip-rap

noun

1. civil engineering broken stones loosely deposited in water or on a soft bottom to provide a foundation and protect a riverbed or river banks from scour: used for revetments, embankments, breakwaters, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of rip-rap¹

C19: reduplication of rap ¹

Example Sentences

The heavy masonry bulkhead was supported on piles and rip-rap, as shown in Fig. 18.

From Project Gutenberg

When the shield had traveled 25 ft. through the rip-rap, the piles which support the bulkhead were met.

From Project Gutenberg

To such a torrent the natural rip-rap opposed a very slight obstacle.

From Project Gutenberg

"But I rather have the fairy shoemaker, with his 'tip tap, rip rap';" laughing.

From Project Gutenberg

Want to rip-rap the outer edge of this water hole, so the bank will not cave in and undo all our work!

From Project Gutenberg