Category:Umbra

Um"bra, n.; pl. Umbræ. Etym: [l., a shadow.]

1. (astron.) (a) the conical shadow projected from a planet or satellite, on the Side opposite to the sun, within which a spectator could see no Portion of the sun's disk; -- used in contradistinction from Penumbra. See penumbra. (b) the central dark portion, or nucleus, of a sun spot. (c) the fainter part of a sun spot; -- now more commonly called Penumbra.

2. (zoöl.)

Defn: any one of several species of sciænoid food fishes of the genus Umbrina, especially the mediterranean species (u. cirrhosa), which is Highly esteemed as a market fish; -- called also ombre, and umbrine. Umbra tree (bot.), a tree (phytolacca diocia) of the same genus as Pokeweed. It is native of south america, but is now grown in southern Europe. It has large dark leaves, and a somber aspect. The juice of Its berries is used for coloring wine. J. Smith (dict. Econ. Plants).