Penumbra

/pəˈnʌmbrə/
noun

The partly dark area around the shadow of an object where the light is only partially blocked.

During the solar eclipse, we were in the penumbra, not the full shadow, so it wasn't completely dark.
Visual representation of "penumbra" - The partly dark area around the shadow of an object where the light is only partially blocked

Often appears as...

  • lunar penumbra
  • solar penumbra
noun

An area where something exists to a lesser degree.

She lived in the penumbra of her brother’s fame, not quite a star herself.
Visual representation of "penumbra" - An area where something exists to a lesser degree

Often appears as...

  • penumbra of doubt
  • penumbra of uncertainty

Usage tips

Formal

Literary

noun

In law, rights or freedoms that are not directly mentioned in the constitution but are still considered important.

The right to privacy exists in the penumbra of the Constitution, although it's not explicitly stated.
Visual representation of "penumbra" - In law, rights or freedoms that are not directly mentioned in the constitution but are still considered important

Often appears as...

  • penumbra of the constitution
  • legal penumbra

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

noun

The partly dark area around the shadow of an object where the light is only partially blocked.

During the solar eclipse, we were in the penumbra, not the full shadow, so it wasn't completely dark.
Visual representation of "penumbra" - The partly dark area around the shadow of an object where the light is only partially blocked

Often appears as...

  • lunar penumbra
  • solar penumbra
noun

An area where something exists to a lesser degree.

She lived in the penumbra of her brother’s fame, not quite a star herself.
Visual representation of "penumbra" - An area where something exists to a lesser degree

Often appears as...

  • penumbra of doubt
  • penumbra of uncertainty

Usage tips

Formal

Literary

noun

In law, rights or freedoms that are not directly mentioned in the constitution but are still considered important.

The right to privacy exists in the penumbra of the Constitution, although it's not explicitly stated.
Visual representation of "penumbra" - In law, rights or freedoms that are not directly mentioned in the constitution but are still considered important

Often appears as...

  • penumbra of the constitution
  • legal penumbra

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "penumbra"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Shadow Clarity

Penumbra refers to a shadow's blurry part, not the darkest area.

Illustration for Shadow Clarity
The garden was cast in a soft penumbra by the tall trees.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Light Gradients

Penumbra indicates a gradual change from light to darker shadow.

Illustration for Light Gradients
The penumbra created a gentle transition from sunlight to shade.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Eclipse Understanding

During eclipses, 'penumbra' is often mentioned to describe partial shadowing.

Illustration for Eclipse Understanding
Observers outside the umbra will experience the eclipse in the penumbra.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Shadow Clarity

Penumbra refers to a shadow's blurry part, not the darkest area.

Illustration for Shadow Clarity
The garden was cast in a soft penumbra by the tall trees.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Light Gradients

Penumbra indicates a gradual change from light to darker shadow.

Illustration for Light Gradients
The penumbra created a gentle transition from sunlight to shade.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Eclipse Understanding

During eclipses, 'penumbra' is often mentioned to describe partial shadowing.

Illustration for Eclipse Understanding
Observers outside the umbra will experience the eclipse in the penumbra.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Shadow Clarity

Penumbra refers to a shadow's blurry part, not the darkest area.

Illustration for Shadow Clarity
The garden was cast in a soft penumbra by the tall trees.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Light Gradients

Penumbra indicates a gradual change from light to darker shadow.

Illustration for Light Gradients
The penumbra created a gentle transition from sunlight to shade.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Eclipse Understanding

During eclipses, 'penumbra' is often mentioned to describe partial shadowing.

Illustration for Eclipse Understanding
Observers outside the umbra will experience the eclipse in the penumbra.
Visual representation of the word "Penumbra"

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Video examples

Watch the Total Solar...

encourage everyone to go check it out the camera is called epic so you know the pictures are going to be awesome absolutely that's so great and of course you can compare that to the kinds of pictures that Terry himself took from that's right yeah seeing that penumbra

Video examples

Watch the Total Solar...

encourage everyone to go check it out the camera is called epic so you know the pictures are going to be awesome absolutely that's so great and of course you can compare that to the kinds of pictures that Terry himself took from that's right yeah seeing that penumbra

Example 1 of 1

Quote examples

George Monbiot

British Writer

New roads carve up the countryside, dispelling peace, creating a penumbra of noise, pollution and ugliness. Their effects spread for many miles.
Portrait of George Monbiot

Quote examples

George Monbiot

British Writer

New roads carve up the countryside, dispelling peace, creating a penumbra of noise, pollution and ugliness. Their effects spread for many miles.
Portrait of George Monbiot
Example 1 of 1
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