penumbra
noun
pen·um·bra
pə-ˈnəm-brə
plural penumbrae
pə-ˈnəm-(ˌ)brē
-ˌbrī
or penumbras
1
a
: a space of partial illumination (as in an eclipse) between the perfect shadow on all sides and the full light
b
: a shaded region surrounding the dark central portion of a sunspot
2
: a surrounding or adjoining region in which something exists in a lesser degree : fringe
the seventeenth century lay in the penumbra of the middle ages—Edward Eggleston
3
: a body of rights held to be guaranteed by implication in a civil constitution
the penumbra of the Bill of Rights
4
: something that covers, surrounds, or obscures : shroud
a penumbra of secrecy
a penumbra of somber dignity has descended over his reputation—James Atlas
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share