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pe·num·bra  (pi-nŭmbrə)
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Tweet n.pl. pe·num·bras or pe·num·brae(-bre) 1. A partial shadow, as in an eclipse, between regions of complete shadow and complete illumination. 2. The diffuse outer part of a sunspot. 3. An area in which something exists to a lesser or uncertain degree:"The First Amendment has a penumbra where privacy is protected from governmental intrusion"(Joseph A. Califano, Jr.) 4. An outlying surrounding region; a periphery:"Downtown Chicago and its penumbra also stand rejuvenated"(John McCormick). [New Latinpenumbra : Latinpaene, almost + Latinumbra, shadow.] pe·numbral, pe·numbrousadj.  (click for a larger image) penumbra |
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