n.
Pronunciation: p ə - ' n ə m-br ə
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -brae \ -( ˌ )br ē , - ˌ br ī \ or -bras
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin paene almost + umbra shadow ― more at UMBRAGE
Date: 1666
1 a : 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
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 \ -br ə l \ adjective