margin

The definition of a margin the blank area around edge of a page or drawing, or the amount that something is higher or lower.

(noun)

An example of a margin is the blank area around the print on the page of a book.
An example of a margin is the New York Giants beating the 49ers by three points.

See margin in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a border, edge, or brink: the margin of the pond
the blank space around the printed or written area on a page or sheet
a limit to what is desirable or possible
1. an amount of money, supplies, etc. reserved or allowed beyond what is needed; extra amount for contingencies or emergencies
2. provision for increase, addition, or advance
the amount by which something is higher or lower: to win by a wide margin
Business, Finance
1. the difference between the cost and the selling price of goods produced, sold, etc.
2. money or collateral deposited with a broker or other lender, either to meet legal requirements or to insure against loss on contracts, as to buy stocks or commodities which have been financed with funds provided by the lender
3. a customer's equity if his or her account is closed at the prevailing prices
4. the difference between the face value of a loan and the market value of the collateral put up to secure it
Econ. the minimum return, below which activities are not profitable enough to be continued
Psychol. the fringe of consciousness

Origin: ME margine < L margo (gen. marginis): see mark

transitive verb

to provide with a margin or border; be a margin to; border
to enter, place, or summarize in the margin of a page or sheet
Business, Finance
1. ☆ to deposit a margin upon
2. to hold by depositing or adding to a margin upon
3. to purchase (securities) on margin

Origin: L marginare

See margin in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An edge and the area immediately adjacent to it; a border. See Synonyms at border.
The blank space bordering the written or printed area on a page.
A limit in a condition or process, beyond or below which something is no longer possible or acceptable: the margin of reality; has crossed the margin of civilized behavior.
An amount allowed beyond what is needed: a small margin of safety. See Synonyms at room.
A measure, quantity, or degree of difference: a margin of 500 votes.
Economics
a. The minimum return that an enterprise may earn and still pay for itself.
b. The difference between the cost and the selling price of securities or commodities.
c. The difference between the market value of collateral and the face value of a loan.
An amount in money, or represented by securities, deposited by a customer with a broker as a provision against loss on transactions made on account.
Botany The border of a leaf.

transitive verb mar·gined, mar·gin·ing, mar·gins

To provide with a margin.
To be a margin to; border.
To inscribe or enter in the margin of a page.
Economics
a. To add margin to: margin up a brokerage account.
b. To deposit margin for: margin a transaction.
c. To buy or hold (securities) by depositing or adding to a margin.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin margō, margin-; see merg- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: