Definitions

1. verb

to wear away or break down by gradual and often imperceptible stages

“The fabric began to fray at the seams after years of use.”

2. noun

a small thread or fiber that is loose or broken

“The seam had a visible fray that needed to be repaired.”

3. noun

a weak or imperfect part of something

“The frays in the netting caused it to lose its shape.”

4. verb

to cause something to wear away or break down by gradual stages

“The saltwater is fraying the concrete dock.”