penumbra

Tweet

noun

Definition of PENUMBRA

1

partial darkness due to the obstruction of light rays <the lunar eclipse began with a subtle darkening of the lunar surface as it passed within the Earth's penumbra>

Synonyms dusk, penumbra, shadiness, shadow, umbra

Related Words blackness, dimness, duskiness, gloom, gloominess, murkiness, obscurity, semidarkness, somberness; cloudiness

Near Antonyms brightness, brilliance, effulgence, illumination, incandescence, light, lightness, lucidity, lucidness, luminance, luminosity, luminousness, radiance, radiancy

2

something that covers or conceals like a piece of cloth <a penumbra of despair fell over the doomed city>

Synonyms blanket, cope, cover, covering, coverture, cover-up, curtain, hood, mantle, mask, pall, penumbra, robe, shroud, veil, wraps

Related Words blind, concealer, screen, shield; fig leaf, Potemkin village, Trojan horse; camouflage, disguise, facade (also façade), face, mask, veneer; gloss, varnish