Umbrella

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ÊŒmˈbɹɛlÉ™(ɹ)/
• Rhymes: -É›lÉ™(r)
• US IPA: /ÊŒmˈbɹɛlÉ™/
• Rhymes: -É›lÉ™

Origin

From Italian ombrella, umbrella ("an umbrella, sunshade"), dim. of ombra ("shade"), from Latin umbra ("shadow").

Full definition of umbrella

Noun

1. Cloth-covered frame used for protection against rain or sun.Quick, grab that umbrella before you get rained on!
2. Generally, anything that provides protection.The fighters provide a defensive air umbrella over the battle group.
3. Something that covers a wide range of concepts, purposes, groups and etc.The test facility was established under the umbrella of the company's quality program.
4. 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.

Synonyms

• rainshade
• brolly colloquial
• gamp dated, colloquial
• parasol

Derived terms

Related terms

• sunshade

Verb

1. To cover or protect, as if by an umbrella.
• 2008, Jonathan Kellerman, Bad Love: Alex Delaware 8, Huge pine and eucalyptus umbrellaed the grounds, airconditioning the morning.
2. To form the dome shape of an open umbrella.
• 2011, B. A. Rothwell, The Peaceful Queen, Bright yellow gowns fit them tightly and umbrellaed from their waist to just below the knees.
3. To move like a sea jelly.
• 1997, National Geographic Traveler, The light catches the filigreed tendrils and graceful motion of the jellies, their orange bodies umbrella-ing along like fairy parasols come to life.

Anagrams

• umbellar