Main Entry:

pen·um·bra

Pronunciation:

\pə-ˈnəm-brə\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural pen·um·brae \-(ˌ)brē, -ˌbrī\ or pen·um·bras

Etymology:

New Latin, from Latin paene almost + umbra shadow — more at umbrage

Date:

1666

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 sunspot2: a surrounding or adjoining region in which something exists in a lesser degree : fringe3: a body of rights held to be guaranteed by implication in a civil constitution4: something that covers, surrounds, or obscures : shroud <a penumbra of secrecy> <a penumbra of somber dignity has descended over his reputation — James Atlas>

— pen·um·bral \-brəl\ adjective