ramp

ramp

ramp¹ [ramp]

n.

[Fr rampe < OFr ramper: see RAMP²]

1. a sloping, sometimes curved, surface, walk, road, etc. joining different levels

☆ 2. a means for boarding or leaving a plane, as a staircase on wheels rolled up to the door

3. a concave bend or curve where a handrail or coping changes its direction, as at a staircase landing

4. a sloping runway for launching boats, as from trailers

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ramp up

Informal to increase or augment [to ramp up factory production]

ramp² [ramp]

vi.

[ME rampen < OFr ramper, to climb, clamber < Frank * rampon, to cramp together < Gmc * rampa, claw, akin to MDu ramp, cramp < IE * (s)kremb-, var. of base * (s)kerb(h)-, to twist, curve > SHRIMP, HARP]

1.

a) to stand upright on the hind legs

b) Heraldry to be depicted rampant

2. to assume a threatening posture

3. to move or rush threateningly, violently, or with fury; rampage

n.

the act of ramping

ramp³ [ramp]

n.

[taken as sing. of ramps, var. of dial. rams, wild garlic < ME < OE hramsa, wild garlic < IE base * krem- > Gr kremyon, MIr crem, Lith kermùšė]

a wild leek (Allium tricoccum) having a pair of broad basal leaves in spring, followed by a naked flower stalk: its strongly flavored bulbs are edible