fret
fret Lexical Profile
fret Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A raised metal ridge placed across the fingerboard of a stringed musical instrument, used to divide it into semitones.
"He pressed the guitar string down just behind the third fret to play a clear note."
A state of anxiety, worry, or irritation.
"She worked herself into a fret trying to organize the event at the last minute."
An ornamental repeating pattern of interlocking geometric lines, often used in classical architecture and borders.
"The ancient Greek vase was decorated with a continuous, angular fret around its rim."
• verb
To be constantly or visibly worried or anxious.
"There is no need to fret over minor details when the overall project is highly successful."
To wear away, erode, or chafe by continuous rubbing.
"Over centuries, the harsh river currents fretted the limestone rocks into smooth, hollow curves."
To furnish a stringed instrument with raised ridges on the fingerboard.
"The luthier carefully fretted the guitar neck to ensure perfect intonation across all strings."
• Rhymes for fret
Word Origin & Etymology
The verb meaning 'to worry' or 'wear away' derives from Old English 'fretan' (to devour, consume), from Proto-Germanic '*fra-etan'. The musical and architectural noun meanings have separate origins, possibly related to Old French 'freter' (to bind or interlace).