Wrinkle
/ˈrɪŋ.kəl/noun
A small line or fold in a surface, especially skin or fabric.
Did you know?English wrinkle is ultimately tied to a Germanic root meaning “to bend or twist,” the same ancient idea behind several words for turning, curling, and making something fold in on itself.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*wrank- / *wrink-
“to twist, bend, or turn”
Old English
OE
wrincle
“a wrinkle, fold, or crease”
Middle English
ME
wrincle / wrinkle
“a crease, fold, or puckered line”
Modern English
EN
wrinkle
“a small crease or line in skin, cloth, or a surface”