—n.
1 the edge or border of a surface.
2 a the blank border on each side of the print on a page etc. b a line ruled esp. on exercise paper, marking off a margin.
3 an amount (of time, money, etc.) by which a thing exceeds, falls short, etc. (won by a narrow margin; a margin of profit).
4 the lower limit of possibility, success, etc. (his effort fell below the margin).
5 Austral. an increment to a basic wage, paid for skill.
6 a sum deposited with a stockbroker to cover the risk of loss on a transaction on account.
—v.tr. (margined, margining) provide with a margin or marginal notes.
Phrases and idioms:
margin of error a usu. small difference allowed for miscalculation, change of circumstances, etc. margin release a device on a typewriter allowing a word to be typed beyond the margin normally set.
Etymology: ME f. L margo -ginis
Useful english dictionary. 2012.