umbrella
noun
[ ʌmˈbrɛlə ]
• a device consisting of a circular canopy of cloth on a folding metal frame supported by a central rod, used as protection against rain.
• a protecting force or influence.
• "Europe sought a measure of independence from the US defence umbrella"
• a thing that includes or contains many different elements or parts.
• "the umbrella body for more than 100 training organizations"
Similar:
aegis,
auspices,
patronage,
championship,
protection,
safe keeping,
protectorship,
guardianship,
support,
guidance,
charge,
responsibility,
care,
cover,
backing,
agency,
• the gelatinous disc of a jellyfish, which it contracts and expands to move through the water.
Origin:
early 17th century: from Italian ombrella, diminutive of ombra ‘shade’, from Latin umbra (see umbra).
