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Umbrella

//ʌmˈbɹɛl.ə// noun, verb

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    covering or applying simultaneously to a number of similar items or elements or groups wordnet
Noun
  1. 1
    A cloth-covered frame used for protection against rain or sun.

    "Quick, grab that umbrella before you get rained on!"

  2. 2
    having the function of uniting a group of similar things wordnet
  3. 3
    Anything that provides similar protection. figuratively

    "The fighters provide a defensive air umbrella over the battle group."

  4. 4
    a formation of military planes maintained over ground operations or targets wordnet
  5. 5
    Anything that provides similar overarching coverage of a range of concepts, purposes, groups, etc. figuratively

    "The test facility was established under the umbrella of the company's quality program."

Show 4 more definitions
  1. 6
    a lightweight handheld collapsible canopy wordnet
  2. 7
    A strategy in which five players in the offensive zone form an umbrella-shaped formation around the opposition's goal net.
  3. 8
    The main body of a jellyfish, excluding the tentacles.

    "Jellyfish are composed of more than 90% water and most of their umbrella mass is made up of gelatinous material."

  4. 9
    An umbrella-shaped reflector with a white or silvery inner surface, used to diffuse a nearby light.

    "Using umbrellas for shooting a wedding party is ok, but not necessary."

Verb
  1. 1
    To cover or protect, as if by an umbrella. transitive

    "Experts with saws and ladders came and lopped off the lower branches. This sent the tree's growth rushing violently to her head in a lush overhanging which umbrellaed the House of All Sorts."

  2. 2
    To form the dome shape of an open umbrella. intransitive

    "Bright yellow gowns fit them tightly and umbrellaed from their waist to just below the knees."

  3. 3
    To move like a jellyfish. intransitive

    "The light catches the filigreed tendrils and graceful motion of the jellies, their orange bodies umbrella-ing along like fairy parasols come to life."

Etymology

Etymology 1

Borrowed from Italian ombrella, umbrella (“parasol, sunshade”), diminutive of ombra (“shade”) (or from a Late Latin or Medieval Latin umbrella), from Latin umbra (“shadow”).

Etymology 2

Borrowed from Italian ombrella, umbrella (“parasol, sunshade”), diminutive of ombra (“shade”) (or from a Late Latin or Medieval Latin umbrella), from Latin umbra (“shadow”).

See also for "umbrella"

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