■ noun
1》 comparative darkness and coolness caused by shelter from direct sunlight.
2》 a position of relative inferiority or obscurity.
3》 a colour, especially with regard to how light or dark it is.
↘a slight degree of difference between colours.
4》 a slightly differing variety: all ~s of opinion.
↘a slight amount.
5》 a lamp~.
6》 N. Amer. a screen or blind on a window.
7》 ( ~s ) informal sunglasses.
8》 literary a ghost.
↘( the Shades ) the underworld.
■ verb
1》 screen from direct light.
↘cover, moderate, or exclude the light of.
2》 darken or colour with parallel pencil lines or a block of colour.
3》 informal narrowly win.
4》 reduce or decline in amount, rate, or price.
Phrases
~s of —— suggestive or reminiscent of someone or something.
Derivatives
~less adjective
~r noun
Origin
OE sc(e)adu , of Gmc origin; cf. shadow .