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- pronunciation:
- pih
nuhm
br
- features:
- Word Combinations (noun)
| part of speech: |
noun |
| inflections: |
penumbrae, penumbras |
| definition 1: |
the partially lighted shadow that surrounds the complete shadow of an opaque body such as the moon during an eclipse. (Cf. umbra.)
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| definition 2: |
the grayish area around the dark central area of a sunspot.
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| definition 3: |
an indefinite, borderline area.
The case before the court falls into the penumbra of the law, so the path to resolution will be protracted. |
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| derivations: |
penumbral (adj.), penumbrous (adj.) |
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