umbrella

1. 1

   A cloth-covered frame used for protection against rain or sun.

   • Quick, grab that umbrella before you get rained on!
2. 2

   Anything that provides similar protection.figuratively

   • The fighters provide a defensive air umbrella over the battle group.
3. 3

   Anything that provides similar overarching coverage of a range of concepts, purposes, groups, etc.figuratively

   • The test facility was established under the umbrella of the company's quality program.
4. 4

   A strategy in which five players in the offensive zone form an umbrella-shaped formation around the opposition's goal net.

5. 5

   The main body of a jellyfish, excluding the tentacles.

   • Jellyfish are composed of more than 90% water and most of their umbrella mass is made up of gelatinous material.
6. 6

   An umbrella-shaped reflector with a white or silvery inner surface, used to diffuse a nearby light.

   • Using umbrellas for shooting a wedding party is ok, but not necessary.

syn. chatta · chatra · rainshade · parapluie · gamp · bumbershoot · umbershoot · rain napper

1. 1

   To cover or protect, as if by an umbrella.transitive

   • Experts with saws and ladders came and lopped off the lower branches. This sent the tree's growth rushing violently to her head in a lush overhanging which umbrellaed the House of All Sorts.
   • Huge pine and eucalyptus umbrellaed the grounds, airconditioning the morning.
2. 2

   To form the dome shape of an open umbrella.intransitive

   • Bright yellow gowns fit them tightly and umbrellaed from their waist to just below the knees.
3. 3

   To move like a jellyfish.intransitive

   • The light catches the filigreed tendrils and graceful motion of the jellies, their orange bodies umbrella-ing along like fairy parasols come to life.