umbrella
[ uhm-brel-uh ]
/ ʌmˈbrɛl ə /
noun
adjective
shaped like or intended to perform the function of an umbrella.
having the quality or function of covering or applying simultaneously to a number of similar items, elements, or groups: an umbrella organization; umbrella coverage in an insurance policy.
Origin of umbrella
1600–10; 1965–70
for def 7; < Italian
ombrella, earlier variant of
ombrello < Late Latin
umbrella, alteration (with influence of Latin
umbra shade) of Latin
umbella sunshade. See
umbel
OTHER WORDS FROM umbrella
um·brel·la·less, adjective um·brel·la·like, adjectiveWords nearby umbrella
umbonal,
umbonate,
umbra,
umbrage,
umbrageous,
umbrella,
umbrella bird,
umbrella leaf,
umbrella palm,
umbrella pine,
umbrella plant
Example sentences from the Web for umbrella
British Dictionary definitions for umbrella
umbrella
/ (ʌmˈbrɛlə) /
noun
a portable device used for protection against rain, snow, etc, and consisting of a light canopy supported on a collapsible metal frame mounted on a central rod
the flattened cone-shaped contractile body of a jellyfish or other medusa
a protective shield or screen, esp of aircraft or gunfire
anything that has the effect of a protective screen or cover
- any system or agency that provides centralized organization or general cover for a group of related companies, organizations, etcdance umbrella
- (as modifier)an umbrella fund; umbrella group
Derived forms of umbrella
umbrella-like, adjectiveWord Origin for umbrella
C17: from Italian
ombrella, diminutive of
ombra shade; see
umbra