rav·el 
(răvəl)
(răvəl)v. rav·eled, rav·el·ing, rav·els also rav·elled or rav·el·ling
v.tr.
1. To separate the fibers or threads of (cloth, for example); unravel.
2. To clarify by separating the aspects of.
3. To tangle or complicate.
v.intr.
1. To become separated into its component threads; unravel or fray.
2. To become tangled or confused.
n.
1. A raveling.
2. A broken or discarded thread.
3. A tangle.
[Obsolete Dutch ravelen, from ravel, loose thread.]
ravel·er, ravel·ler n.