Definitions for: Umbra


[n] a region of complete shadow resulting from total obstruction of light



Webster (1913) Definition: Um"bra, n.; pl. Umbr[ae]. [L., a shadow.]
1. (Astron.)
(a) The conical shadow projected from a planet or
satellite, on the side opposite to the sun, within
which a spectator could see no portion of the sun's
disk; -- used in contradistinction from penumbra. See
Penumbra.
(b) The central dark portion, or nucleus, of a sun spot.
(c) The fainter part of a sun spot; -- now more commonly
called penumbra.

2. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of several species of sci[ae]noid food
fishes of the genus Umbrina, especially the
Mediterranean species (U. cirrhosa), which is highly
esteemed as a market fish; -- called also ombre, and
umbrine.

Umbra tree (Bot.), a tree (Phytolacca diocia) of the same
genus as pokeweed. It is native of South America, but is
now grown in southern Europe. It has large dark leaves,
and a somber aspect. The juice of its berries is used for
coloring wine. --J. Smith (Dict. Econ. Plants).

See Also: shadow

Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder

Scrabble Cheat

Words With Friends Cheat

Hanging With Friends Cheat

Scramble With Friends Cheat

Ruzzle Cheat



Related Resources:
animals beginning with e
j letter animals
animals starting with b