margin

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an amount beyond the minimum necessary

   the margin of victory

2. 2
   noun

   the blank space that surrounds the text on a page

   They jotted a note in the margin.

3. 3
   noun

   The edge or border of any flat surface.

   Nothing could be more business-like than the construction of the stout dams, and nothing more gently rural than the limpid lakes, with the grand old forest trees marshalled round their margins like a veteran army that had marched down to drink, only to be stricken motionless at the water’s edge.

4. 4
   noun

   The edge defining inclusion in or exclusion from a set or group.

   As far as space is concerned, Mary Lamb finds herself at the farthest margin of society - among tramps - when the novel begins.

5. 5
   noun

   A difference or ratio between results, characteristics, scores.

   margin of victory

6. 6
   noun

   A permissible difference; allowing some freedom to move within limits.

   margin of error

7. 7
   noun

   Collateral security deposited with a broker, to compensate the broker in the event of loss in the speculative buying and selling of stocks, commodities, etc.

   The purchaser then hands over this margin to the person with whom he hypothecates the Stock.

8. 8
   noun

   That which is ancillary; periphery.

   This model merely nips at the margins.

Etymology

From Middle English margyn, from Latin marginem (possibly via Old French margin), accusative of margō (“edge, brink, border, margin”). Doublet of marge and margo.