mar|gin «MAHR juhn», noun, verb.
–n.
1. an edge or border: »
the margin of a lake. A step or two farther brought him to one margin of a little clearing (Robert Louis Stevenson). Over the margin, After it, follow it, Follow the Gleam (Tennyson).
SYNONYM(S): brim, brink, rim, verge.2. the space around a page that has no writing or printing on it: »
Do not write in the margin.Figurative. I love a broad margin to my life (Thoreau).
3. Figurative. an extra amount; amount beyond what is necessary; difference: »
a margin for error. We allow a margin of 15 minutes in catching a train.
4. the difference between the cost and selling price, as of stocks.
5. Finance. a) the money or securities deposited with a broker to protect him from loss on transactions undertaken for the real buyer or seller. b) the amount of such a deposit: »
The reserve board raised margins from 50 to 60 per cent (New York Times).
c) the transaction itself, financed by both the broker and his customer: »When you buy on margin you put up only part of the total cost and the broker lends you the remainder.
d) the customer's profit or loss in such a transaction.6. the point at which an economic activity yields just enough return to cover its costs and below which the activity will result in a loss.
7. a condition beyond which something ceases to exist or be possible; limit: »
the margin of subsistence, the margin of consciousness.
Abbr: marg.–v.t.
3. to provide (a book or article) with marginal notes.
4. Finance. a) to deposit a margin upon (stock or other securities). b) to secure by a margin: »
Probably 45 per cent of all purchases on the Stock Exchange are margined (New York Times).
╂[< Latin margō, marginis edge]
Useful english dictionary. 2012.