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penumbra

Syllabification: (pe·num·bra)
Pronunciation: /peˈnəmbrə/

Definition of penumbra

noun (plural penumbrae /-brē, -brī/ or penumbras)

  • the partially shaded outer region of the shadow cast by an opaque object.
  • Astronomy the shadow cast by the earth or moon over an area experiencing a partial eclipse.
  • Astronomy the less dark outer part of a sunspot, surrounding the dark core.

Derivatives

penumbral

Pronunciation: /-brəl/

adjective

Origin:

mid 17th century: modern Latin, from Latin paene 'almost' + umbra 'shadow'

penumbra in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of penumbra in the British & World English dictionary