Penumbra

/pəˈnʌm.brə/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The partially shaded outer region of the shadow cast by an opaque object.

During the solar eclipse, the penumbra is the area where only a part of the sun is obscured.

A shadowy, marginal area or a state of ambiguity.

The penumbra of uncertainty surrounding the decision made many stakeholders anxious.

A region of a gradient between light and shadow.

The artist skillfully portrayed the penumbra of twilight in his landscape painting.

From Latin 'paene' meaning 'nearly' and 'umbra' meaning 'shadow'.

penumbral eclipse

An eclipse in which the Moon passes through the Earth's penumbra, resulting in only a slight darkening.

penumbral zone

A transitional area where light gradually diminishes before becoming fully dark.

umbra

The fully shaded inner region of a shadow.

shadow

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

light

The natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.

A vague or obscure area in a situation.

His explanation was in the penumbra of uncertainty about the project.

A gray area where rules are not clearly defined.

In the penumbra of policies, employees might cut corners.