Definitions for: Umbrella


[n] having the function of uniting a group of similar things; "the Democratic Party is an umbrella for many liberal groups"; "under the umbrella of capitalism"
[n] a formation of military planes maintained over ground operations or targets; "an air umbrella over England"
[n] a lightweight handheld collapsible canopy
[adj] covering or applying simultaneously to a number of similar items or elements or groups; "an umbrella organization"; "umbrella insurance coverage"



Webster (1913) Definition: Um*brel"la, n. [It. umbrella, fr. ombra a shade, L.
umbra; cf. L. umbella a sunshade, a parasol. Cf. Umbel,
Umbrage.]
1. A shade, screen, or guard, carried in the hand for
sheltering the person from the rays of the sun, or from
rain or snow. It is formed of silk, cotton, or other
fabric, extended on strips of whalebone, steel, or other
elastic material, inserted, or fastened to, a rod or stick
by means of pivots or hinges, in such a way as to allow of
being opened and closed with ease. See Parasol.

Underneath the umbrella's oily shed. --Gay.

2. (Zo["o]l.) The umbrellalike disk, or swimming bell, of a
jellyfish.

3. (Zo["o]l.) Any marine tectibranchiate gastropod of the
genus Umbrella, having an umbrella-shaped shell; --
called also umbrella shell.

Umbrella ant (Zo["o]l.), the sauba ant; -- so called
because it carries bits of leaves over its back when
foraging. Called also parasol ant.

Umbrella bird (Zo["o]l.), a South American bird
(Cephalopterus ornatus) of the family Cotingid[ae]. It
is black, with a large handsome crest consisting of a mass
of soft, glossy blue feathers curved outward at the tips.
It also has a cervical plume consisting of a long,
cylindrical dermal process covered with soft hairy
feathers. Called also dragoon bird.

Umbrella leaf (Bot.), an American perennial herb
(Dyphylleia cymosa), having very large peltate and lobed
radical leaves.

Umbrella shell. (Zo["o]l.) See Umbrella, 3.

Umbrella tree (Bot.), a kind of magnolia (M. Umbrella)
with the large leaves arranged in umbrellalike clusters at
the ends of the branches. It is a native of Pennsylvania,
Virginia, and Kentucky. Other plants in various countries
are called by this name, especially a kind of screw pine
(Pandanus odoratissimus).

Synonyms: comprehensive

See Also: brolly, canopy, conjugation, defence, defense, defensive measure, gamp, gore, grip, handgrip, handle, hold, jointure, rib, unification, union, uniting

Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder

Scrabble Cheat

Words With Friends Cheat

Hanging With Friends Cheat

Scramble With Friends Cheat

Ruzzle Cheat



Related Resources:
animals begin with m
animals starting with l