penumbra

/pɛˈnʌmbrə/ or /pɛˈnʌmbrə/

Definitions

1. noun

The partially shaded area around a shadow where the light source is only partially obscured, typically in the context of solar eclipses or lunar eclipses; an area of partial darkness.

“The penumbra of the eclipse was visible for several hours, but the sun itself was not directly observable.”

Synonyms

  • partial darkness
  • partial shadow

Antonyms

  • full shadow
  • umbra