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| fringe [ frinj ] |
noun (plural fring·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. decorative edging of strands: a decorative border of short parallel strands or raveled threads held closely together at one end by stitching and hanging loosely at the other end
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2. any border or edging: something that serves as or resembles a border
  a fringe of reeds circling the pond
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3. outer limit: the outer edge, or something considered to be on the outer edge and not central to an activity, interest, or issue
(
often used in the plural
)
outposts on the fringes of civilization
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4. less important area: an area of action that is far away from the center of activity or interest in a specific field
(
usually used in the plural
)
on the fringes of political life
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5. U.K.
Same as bangs1 (see bang)
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6. faction: members of a group or organization who hold views not representative of the group and usually more extreme
the radical fringe of a political party
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7. golf area bordering putting green: the area surrounding a putting green on a golf course where the grass is allowed to grow slightly longer than on the green itself
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8. optics band produced by diffraction of light: a light, dark, or colored band of light produced by diffraction or interference
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9. U.S. finance
(
informal
)
Same as fringe benefit
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adjective |
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| Definition: |
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1. outlying: situated on the edge or away from the center of something
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2. minor: playing a minor role in a play or story
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3. unconventional: not part of the established or conventional mainstream of something such as the movie industry, theater, or medicine
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4. not in main part: not in the main part of something such as a conference or organization, especially if putting forward or discussing radical or unconventional ideas
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transitive verb (past and past participle fringed, present participle fring·ing, 3rd person present singular fring·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. form fringe around something: to form a fringe or border around something
A thin mustache and beard fringed his lips.
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2. put decorative fringe on something: to decorate something with a fringe or border
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| [14th century. Via French< Latin fimbriae "threads"] |
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| fringed adjective |
| fring·y adjective |
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