The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word TAENIAE
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The straight part
We know that "ribbons" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case ribbons = taeniae.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TAENIAE mean?
TAENIAE noun- A ribbon worn in the hair in ancient Greece.
- (Doric architecture) A band between the frieze and architrave in the Doric order.
- Any of several ribbon-like bands of tissue.
- Any species of the genus Taenia of tapeworms.