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Penumbra
\pə-ˈnəm-brə\
plural pen·um·brae or pen·um·bras
1: a space of partial illumination (as in an eclipse) between the perfect shadow on all sides and the full light
b : a shaded region surrounding the dark central portion of a sunspot
b : a shaded region surrounding the dark central portion of a sunspot
2: a surrounding or adjoining region in which something exists in a lesser degree : fringe
3: a body of rights held to be guaranteed by implication in a civil constitution
4: something that covers, surrounds, or obscures : shroud <a penumbra of secrecy> <a penumbra of somber dignity has descended over his reputation — James Atlas>
— pen·um·bral adjective
Examples:
Examples:
- <the lunar eclipse began with a subtle darkening of the lunar surface as it passed within the Earth's penumbra>
- <a penumbra of despair fell over the doomed city>
Etymology:
New Latin, from Latin paene almost + umbra shadow
First Known Use: 1666
