Umbra

/ˈʌmbrə/ noun

Definition

The fully shaded inner region of a shadow cast by an opaque object — the darkest part, where all light is blocked.

Etymology

From Latin umbra (shadow, shade). The same root gives us umbrella (little shadow), umbrage (offense — originally "shadow of suspicion"), and penumbra (almost shadow). Shadows cast a remarkable vocabulary.

Kelly Says

Umbrella means "little shadow." Umbrage means "shadow of suspicion." Penumbra means "almost shadow." One Latin word for darkness generated an entire family of English words, each describing a different quality of shade. Even shadows have shades.

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