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 body2: a reflected image3: shelter from danger or observation4 a: an imperfect and faint representation b: an imitation of something : copy5: the dark figure cast upon a surface by a body intercepting the rays from a source of light6: phantom7plural : dark 1a8: a shaded or darker portion of a picture9: an attenuated form or a vestigial remnant10 a: an inseparable companion or follower b: one (as a spy or detective) that shadows11: a small degree or portion : trace12: a source of gloom or unhappiness13 a: an area near an object : vicinity b: pervasive and dominant influence14: a state of ignominy or obscurity

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

— shad·ow·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective