umbrella

The definition of an umbrella is a piece of material stretched over a round spoked frame that provides shade or protection from rain, or something that protects.

(noun)

  1. An example of an umbrella is what the character Mary Poppins holds while she's floating in the air in the film Mary Poppins.
  2. An example of an umbrella is a pricing policy that protects the consumer against paying too much; a price umbrella.

Umbrella is something that is designed to cover multiple items at the same time.

(adjective)

An example of umbrella is an insurance policy that provides protection in many situations; an umbrella policy.

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See umbrella in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. a screen or shade, usually of cloth stretched over a folding radial frame, carried for protection against the rain or sun
  2. something suggestive of this; specif.,
    1. the body of a jellyfish
    2. any comprehensive, protective organization, alliance, strategy, or device: the umbrella of insurance
    3. a force of military aircraft sent up to screen ground or naval forces: air umbrella

Origin: It ombrella < LL umbrella (altered by assoc. with L umbra, shade) < L umbella, parasol, dim. of umbra, shade

See umbrella in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. A device for protection from the weather consisting of a collapsible, usually circular canopy mounted on a central rod.
  2. a. Something that covers or protects.
    b. Air cover, especially during a military operation.
  3. Something that encompasses or covers many different elements or groups.
  4. Zoology The gelatinous, rounded mass that is the major part of the body of most jellyfish.

Origin:

Origin: Italian ombrella

Origin: , from Late Latin umbrella

Origin: , alteration (influenced by umbra, shade)

Origin: of Latin umbella, parasol; see umbel

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Related Forms:

  • um·brelˈla·less adjective

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