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umbrella

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

An umbrella is a handheld device that protects you from the rain or sun. It has a long, thin shaft that is attached to a canopy, which is a large, curved piece of fabric.

The canopy is held up by a series of ribs, which are thin, flexible rods. The ribs are held together by a frame, which is made of metal or plastic.

To open an umbrella, you simply flip it open. To close it, you fold it up.

Umbrellas come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be made of different materials, such as fabric, plastic, or metal.

How can the word be used?

I opened my umbrella to protect myself from the rain.

umbrella

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • umbrella (a handheld device consisting of a fabric canopy stretched over a spoked frame, used to protect from rain or sun).
  • parasol (a light umbrella used to protect from the sun).
  • sunshade (a device that provides shade from the sun, such as an umbrella or awning).

Adjective:

  • umbrella (covering or protecting like an umbrella).
  • umbrella term (a term that encompasses a wide range of things).

Etymology

The word "umbrella" comes from the Italian word "ombrella", which means "sunshade". The Italian word "ombrella" is derived from the Latin word "umbra", which means "shade".

The word "umbrella" is first attested in English in the 16th century. It was originally used to refer to a sunshade, but it soon came to be used to refer to an umbrella that protects from rain as well.

Question

What is an umbrella used for?