umbrella

[uhm-brel-uh] /ʌmˈbrɛl ə/
noun
1.
a light, small, portable, usually circular cover for protection from rain or sun, consisting of a fabric held on a collapsible frame of thin ribs radiating from the top of a carrying stick or handle.
2.
the saucer- or bowl-shaped, gelatinous body of a jellyfish; bell.
3.
something that covers or protects from above, as military aircraft safeguarding surface forces:
an air umbrella.
4.
any general kind of protection:
a price umbrella.
5.
something, as an organization or policy, that covers or encompasses a number of groups or elements.
adjective
6.
shaped like or intended to perform the function of an umbrella.
7.
having the quality or function of covering or applying simultaneously to a number of similar items, elements, or groups:
an umbrella organization; umbrella coverage in an insurance policy.
Origin
1600-10; 1965-70 for def 7; < Italian ombrella, earlier variant of ombrello < Late Latin umbrella, alteration (with influence of Latin umbra shade) of Latin umbella sunshade. See umbel
Related forms
umbrellaless, adjective
umbrellalike, adjective
Examples from the web for umbrella
  • Subject then pointed an umbrella at the teacher and pushed a button extending the umbrella.
  • All you need to do is carry a clear umbrella with streamers dangling from it and perhaps a red shirt and white sweat pants.
  • Dress up a few lanterns with ribbon, add some sunny fabric, and your plain canvas umbrella is ready to party.
  • The umbrella illustrates the world being turned inside out by the wind.
  • At first, the umbrella has packing straw clinging to it.
  • When it rains, and winds are high on the golf course, a good umbrella is a golfer's best friend.
  • If you're lucky, that might bump up to umbrella percent.
  • Many registration centres consisted of little more than a plastic table, a laptop and an umbrella for shade.
  • Make sure to bring a raincoat or a light jacket and an umbrella.
  • Maxi designed the plywood tree sculpture and plywood umbrella caddy.
British Dictionary definitions for umbrella

umbrella

/ʌmˈbrɛlə/
noun
1.
a portable device used for protection against rain, snow, etc, and consisting of a light canopy supported on a collapsible metal frame mounted on a central rod
2.
the flattened cone-shaped contractile body of a jellyfish or other medusa
3.
a protective shield or screen, esp of aircraft or gunfire
4.
anything that has the effect of a protective screen or cover
5.
  1. any system or agency that provides centralized organization or general cover for a group of related companies, organizations, etc: dance umbrella
  2. (as modifier): an umbrella fund, umbrella group
Derived Forms
umbrella-like, adjective
Word Origin
C17: from Italian ombrella, diminutive of ombra shade; see umbra
Word Origin and History for umbrella
n.

c.1600, first attested in Donne's letters, from Italian ombrello, from Late Latin umbrella, altered (by influence of umbra) from Latin umbella "sunshade, parasol," diminutive of umbra "shade, shadow" (see umbrage).

A sunshade in the Mediterranean, a shelter from the rain in England; in late 17c. usage, usually as an Oriental or African symbol of dignity. Said to have been used by women in England from c.1700; the first rain-umbrella carried by a man there was traditionally c.1760, by Jonas Hathaway, noted traveler and philanthropist. Figurative sense of "authority, unifying quality" (usually in a phrase such as under the umbrella of) is recorded from 1948.

Encyclopedia Article for umbrella

a portable, hand-held device that is used for protection against rain and sunlight. The modern umbrella consists of a circular fabric or plastic screen stretched over hinged ribs that radiate from a central pole. The hinged ribs permit the screen to be opened and closed so that the umbrella can be carried with ease when not in use.

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