Main Entry: ¹shad·ow

Pronunciation: \ˈsha-(ˌ)dō\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English shadwe, from Old English sceaduw-, sceadu shade

Date: before 12th century

1 : partial darkness or obscurity within a part of space from which rays from a source of light are cut off by an interposed opaque body
2 : a reflected image
3 : shelter from danger or observation
4 a : an imperfect and faint representation b : an imitation of something : copy
5 : the dark figure cast upon a surface by a body intercepting the rays from a source of light
6 : phantom
7 plural : dark 1a
8 : a shaded or darker portion of a picture
9 : an attenuated form or a vestigial remnant
10 a : an inseparable companion or follower b : one (as a spy or detective) that shadows
11 : a small degree or portion : trace
12 : a source of gloom or unhappiness
13 a : an area near an object : vicinity b : pervasive and dominant influence
14 : a state of ignominy or obscurity

— shad·ow·less \ˈsha-dō-ləs, -də-ləs\ adjective

— shad·ow·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective