noun

1. a border or trimming of cords or threads, hanging loose or tied in bunches
2. 1. anything like this a fringe of hair
   2. an outer edge; border; margin at the fringes of the slums
3. a part considered to be peripheral, extreme, or minor in relation to the main part the lunatic fringe of a political party
4. ☆ fringe benefit
5. Optics any of the light or dark bands resulting from the interference or diffraction of light

Etymology: ME frenge < OFr frenge, fringe < VL *frimbia, metathesis of LL fimbria, a fringe, border < L fimbriae, shreds, fibers

transitive verb fringed, fringing fring′·ing

1. to decorate with or as with fringe
2. to be a fringe for; line trees fringed the lawn

adjective

1. at the outer edge or border a fringe area of television reception
2. ☆ additional fringe costs
3. ☆ less important; minor fringe industries