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)- An example of an umbrella is what the character Mary Poppins holds while she's floating in the air in the film Mary Poppins.
- 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.
See umbrella in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
- a screen or shade, usually of cloth stretched over a folding radial frame, carried for protection against the rain or sun
- something suggestive of this; specif.,
- the body of a jellyfish
- any comprehensive, protective organization, alliance, strategy, or device: the umbrella of insurance
- 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
- A device for protection from the weather consisting of a collapsible, usually circular canopy mounted on a central rod.
- a. Something that covers or protects.b. Air cover, especially during a military operation.
- Something that encompasses or covers many different elements or groups.
- 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
.Related Forms:
- um·brelˈla·less adjective
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