penumbrae

Variant of penumbra

penumbra definition

penum·bra (pi num′brə)

noun pl. penumbrae -·brae′ (-brē′) or penumbras -·bras

  1. the partly lighted area surrounding the complete shadow (umbra) of a body, as the moon, during an eclipse
  2. the less dark region surrounding the dark central area of a sunspot
  3. a vague, indefinite, or borderline area

Etymology: ModL < paene, almost (see passion) + umbra, shade

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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