[uhm-brel-uh] 
| 1. | a light, small, portable, usually circular cover for protection from rain or sun, consisting of a fabric held on a collapsible frame of thin ribs radiating from the top of a carrying stick or handle. |
| 2. | the saucer- or bowl-shaped, gelatinous body of a jellyfish; bell. |
| 3. | something that covers or protects from above, as military aircraft safeguarding surface forces: an air umbrella. |
| 4. | any general kind of protection: a price umbrella. |
| 5. | something, as an organization or policy, that covers or encompasses a number of groups or elements. |
| 6. | shaped like or intended to perform the function of an umbrella. |
| 7. | having the quality or function of covering or applying simultaneously to a number of similar items, elements, or groups: an umbrella organization; umbrella coverage in an insurance policy. |
| um·brel·la (ŭm-brěl'ə) n.
[Italian ombrella, from Late Latin umbrella, alteration (influenced by umbra, shade) of Latin umbella, parasol; see umbel.] um·brel'la·less adj. |
umbrella
a portable, hand-held device that is used for protection against rain and sunlight. The modern umbrella consists of a circular fabric or plastic screen stretched over hinged ribs that radiate from a central pole. The hinged ribs permit the screen to be opened and closed so that the umbrella can be carried with ease when not in use.
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