n. & v.
--n.
1. a an ornamental bordering of threads left loose or formed into tassels or twists. b such a bordering made separately. c any border or edging.
2 a a portion of the front hair hanging over the forehead. b a natural border of hair etc. in an animal or plant.
3 an outer edge or margin; the outer limit of an area, population, etc. (often attrib. : fringe theatre).
4 a thing, part, or area of secondary or minor importance.
5 a a band of contrasting brightness or darkness produced by diffraction or interference of light. b a strip of false colour in an optical image.
6 US a fringe benefit.
--v.tr.
1. adorn or encircle with a fringe.
2 serve as a fringe to.
Phrases and idioms:
fringe benefit an employee's benefit supplementing a money wage or salary. fringe medicine systems of treatment of disease etc. not regarded as orthodox by the medical profession. fringing reef a coral reef that fringes the shore.
Derivatives:
fringeless adj. fringy adj.
Etymology: ME & OF frenge ult. f. LL fimbria (earlier only in pl.) fibres, fringe