edge (ĕj)
n.

1. 1. A thin, sharpened side, as of the blade of a cutting instrument.
   2. The degree of sharpness of a cutting blade.
   3. A penetrating, incisive quality: "His simplicity sets off the satire, and gives it a finer edge" (William Hazlitt).
   4. A slight but noticeable sharpness or harshness: His voice had an edge to it.
2. Keenness, as of desire or enjoyment; zest: The brisk walk gave an edge to my appetite.
3. 1. The line of intersection of two surfaces: the edge of a brick; the table's rounded edges.
   2. A rim or brink: the edge of a cliff.
   3. The point at which something is likely to begin: on the edge of war.
4. 1. The area or part away from the middle; an extremity: lifted the carpet's edge.
   2. A dividing line; a border: a house on the edge of town. See synonyms at border.
5. A margin of superiority; an advantage: a slight edge over the opposition.
6. A provocative or discomforting quality, as from audacity or innovativeness: "Over all, the show will have a grittier edge" (Constance C.R. White).

v., edged, edg·ing, edg·es.

v.tr.

1. 1. To give an edge to (a blade); sharpen.
   2. To tilt (a ski or both skis) in such a way that an edge or both edges bite into the snow.
2. 1. To put a border or edge on: edged the quilt with embroidery.
   2. To act as or be an edge of: bushes that edged the garden path.
3. To advance or push slightly or gradually: The dog edged the ball with its nose.
4. To trim or shape the edge of: edge a lawn.
5. To surpass or beat by a small margin. Often used with out: The runner edged her opponent out at the last moment.

v.intr.
To move gradually or hesitantly: The child edged toward the door.

idioms:

on edge

1. Highly tense or nervous; irritable.

on the edge

1. In a precarious position.
2. In a state of keen excitement, as from danger or risk: "the excitement of combat, of living on the edge" (Nelson DeMille).

[Middle English egge, from Old English ecg.]

edgeless edge'less adj.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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