umbrella

 
Pronunciation: /ʌmˈbrɛlə/

noun

  • 1a device consisting of a circular canopy of cloth on a folding metal frame supported by a central rod, used as protection against rain.
  • 2a protecting force or influence: Europe sought a measure of independence from the US defence umbrella
  • a screen of fighter aircraft or anti-aircraft artillery.
  • 3 [usually as modifier] a thing that includes or contains many different elements or parts: the umbrella body for more than 100 training organizations
  • 4 Zoology the gelatinous disc of a jellyfish, which it contracts and expands to move through the water.

Derivatives

umbrellaed

Pronunciation: /-ləd/
adjective

umbrella-like

adjective

Origin:

early 17th century: from Italian ombrella, diminutive of ombra 'shade', from Latin umbra (see umbra)

Spelling help

Remember that umbrella is spelled umbr- at the beginning.