penumbra
What is another word for penumbra? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.
Noun — A partially shaded area around the edge of a full shadow, such as the one seen during an eclipse.
We haven't recorded synonyms for penumbra yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.
How to use penumbra
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
cast a penumbra
the penumbra of a shadow
ischaemic penumbra
penumbra of a sunspot
It is a fairly technical word, most at home in astronomy, medicine or careful descriptive writing.
Etymology
Penumbra comes from New Latin pēnumbra. It was built from the Latin paene, meaning 'almost', joined to umbra, meaning 'shadow'.
Full origin of penumbra →Frequently asked questions
What does penumbra mean?
It is the partly shaded area at the edge of a shadow, such as the fringe of shade around an eclipse.
Is a penumbra lighter or darker than a full shadow?
Lighter. The penumbra is only partly blocked from the light source, unlike the fully dark shadow at its centre.
Why do astronomers and doctors both use the word penumbra?
Both borrow the same shadow imagery: astronomers use it for the paler edge of a sunspot, and doctors use it for the partly affected brain tissue around a stroke.
