Penumbra
noun | /penumbra/
A partially shaded region between full shadow and full light; figuratively, a surrounding area of uncertainty or something not clearly defined.
Penumbra
noun | /penumbra/
Essential WordsMEDIUMA partially shaded region between full shadow and full light; figuratively, a surrounding area of uncertainty or something not clearly defined.
Learning Progress
Synonyms
Examples
"The moon moved through the penumbra before entering the darker part of Earth’s shadow. Means: The moon passed through the partly shaded area before reaching the full shadow."
"The proposal lies in a legal penumbra because existing rules do not clearly cover it. Means: The proposal falls into an uncertain area of law."
Mnemonic Trick
Penumbra is the “almost-shadow” around a darker shadow, and figuratively a fuzzy border.
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