edge ( j)n. 1. a. A thin, sharpened side, as of the blade of a cutting instrument. b. The degree of sharpness of a cutting blade. c. A penetrating, incisive quality: "His simplicity sets off the satire, and gives it a finer edge" (William Hazlitt). d. 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. a. The line of intersection of two surfaces: the edge of a brick; the table's rounded edges. b. A rim or brink: the edge of a cliff. c. The point at which something is likely to begin: on the edge of war. 4. a. The area or part away from the middle; an extremity: lifted the carpet's edge. b. 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. a. To give an edge to (a blade); sharpen. b. To tilt (a ski or both skis) in such a way that an edge or both edges bite into the snow. 2. a. To put a border or edge on: edged the quilt with embroidery. b. 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. Idioms: To move gradually or hesitantly: The child edged toward the door. on edge 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; see ak- in Indo-European roots.] edge  less adj. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Adj. | 1. | edgeless - lacking a cutting edge dull - not having a sharp edge or point; "the knife was too dull to be of any use" |
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