borders

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of border.

   The disputed borders sparked tension between the neighboring states.

   Several rivers form natural borders across the continent.

   Note

   Every countable meaning shares this plural: national frontiers, the outer edges of a page, decorative strips on cloth, and the planted beds along a garden path. In computing it also names strings that are both a prefix and a suffix of a longer string, so abab has the border ab. The British dance sense, border morris, is uncountable and takes no plural.

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present of border.

   France borders several countries across Europe.

   The estate borders a quiet stream at its far edge.

   Note

   The -s form carries two constructions. Used directly with an object, it means to lie alongside or enclose: France borders Spain, a hedge borders the lawn. Followed by on, upon or with, it means to touch at an edge. With on or upon it also stretches to 'come close to', as in a remark that borders on rudeness. The same spelling serves as the plural noun.

   His confidence borders on arrogance.

   The farm borders upon the national forest.

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