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| um·brel·la [ um bréllə ] |
noun (plural um·brel·las) |
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| Definition: |
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1. collapsible canopy that protects from weather: a round collapsible canopy of plastic or waterproof material on a frame at the top of a handle, held in the hand to protect somebody from rain, snow, or sun
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2. support or authority: something that gives support, protection, or authority
  under the umbrella of the United Nations
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3. object like umbrella: an object that looks like an open umbrella, or that collapses like an umbrella, e.g. the folding paper decoration sometimes served in cocktails
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4. zoology jellyfish's body: the rounded body of a jellyfish
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5. military aircraft flying overhead for protection: a group of aircraft patrolling the sky above a place where troops are carrying out operations, to give them protection
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6. military shield of gunfire: gunfire used to suppress enemy fire and thus shield friendly forces making a movement or attack
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7. U.S. military
(
slang
)
Same as parachuten (sense 1)
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adjective |
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| Definition: |
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1. unifying member organizations: acting to coordinate or protect a number of member organizations or bodies
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2. including several things: including or containing a number of things
an umbrella term for a variety of plants
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| [Early 17th century. Via Italian ombrella< late Latin umbrella, alteration of Latin umbella "parasol" (see umbel) after umbra "shadow"] |
