umbrella Hear it!

umbrella definition

um·brella (um brelə)

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

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

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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