wrinkle
wrinkle
UK[ˈrɪŋkl]US[ˈrɪŋkəl]
n
A small line or fold in something, especially fabric or the skin
v
To form or cause to form small lines or folds
Etymology
The word 'wrinkle' entered Middle English around the 14th century, likely from the Old English word gewrinclian, meaning 'to wind, crease'. This Old English term is related to the Old Norse kreppa, meaning 'to bend, twist', and the Middle Dutch wrinkel, a noun for a 'wrinkle'. The core concept has always been one of twisting, bending, or winding, which naturally leads to the formation of a small ridge or crease. This etymological journey from a verb describing an action (to twist) to a noun describing the resulting state (a small fold) clearly illustrates the logical evolution of its modern meaning.
Analysis
The word 'wrinkle' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It is not productively formed from smaller, recognizable morphemes in modern English.
Examples
The old map was covered in wrinkles from being folded for so long.
She tried to iron the shirt to remove the wrinkles.
His face would wrinkle into a smile whenever he told that story.