I. ˌəmˈbrelə also ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Italian ombrella, modification (influenced by ombra shade, shadow, from Latin umbra ) of Latin umbella parasol, umbrella, diminutive of umbra — more at umbrage
1.
a. : a small portable usually cloth canopy that is fastened to a frame with hinged ribs radiating from a center pole, has a circular convex shape when open, can be opened or closed by means of a sliding catch, and provides protection against the weather — see parasol
b. : a large canopy of similar design whose center pole may be placed firmly in the ground or attached especially to a table
garden furniture with colored umbrellas — Christopher Morley
— see beach umbrella
2. : something resembling an umbrella in shape or function: as
a. : a metal cover secured over a ship's smokestack to keep out precipitation
b. : a bell-shaped structure composed chiefly of jellylike mesoglea that forms the main part of the body of a jellyfish, has muscular ectodermal cells lining the lower concave surface, and serves as a swimming organ by means of contractions
c.
(1) : the arched overhanging foliage of a tree
the creamy umbrellas of the hemlock — C.G.Glover
(2) : the canopy formed by leaves and branches in a wooded area
see the pine wood spread its broad umbrella — Cyril Connolly
d. : the open canopy of a parachute
e. : a formation of planes maintained over surface operations or a landmass for defense against attack
throwing up an air umbrella over Europe — Springfield (Massachusetts) Union
f. : a heavy barrage of shell fire
the main battery guns were laying an umbrella over the carrier — F.J.Bell
3. : a unifying, conditioning, stabilizing, or controlling factor, agency, category, or authoritative influence
both parties are umbrellas for diverse groups — J.E.McLean
organization cost, an umbrella which covers the publisher's expenses — H.M.Silver
maintain a price umbrella over the industry — A.D.H.Kaplan
combined under the umbrella of Fascism — T.E.M.McKitterick
II. adjective
1. : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an umbrella
2. : taking in many individuals or groups : all-embracing
an umbrella organization sheltering a host of subdivided activities — O.O.Trullinger
3. : having a roof supported on a single post
a series of umbrella sheds on a train platform
III. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. : to protect or cover with or as if with an umbrella
each man umbrellaed from the downpour — Manchester Guardian Weekly
2. : to provide with or as if with an umbrella
the new job … : to umbrella the invasion — Time