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| pe·num·bra [ pə númbrə ] (plural pe·num·brae [ pə núm bree ] or pe·num·bras) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. partial shadow: a partial outer shadow that is lighter than the darker inner shadow umbra, e.g. the area between complete darkness and complete light in an eclipse
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2. indeterminate area: an indistinct area, especially a state in which something is unclear or uncertain
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3. periphery: the outer region or periphery of something
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4. astronomy edge of sunspot: a grayish area surrounding the dark center of a sunspot
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| [Mid-17th century. < modern Latin< Latin paene "almost" + umbra "shadow"] |
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  pe·num·bral adjective |
| pe·num·brous adjective |
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