Definition of the word umbrella

The word "umbrella" has its origins in Latin, derived from the word "umbra," meaning "shade" or "shadow." This Latin term was used to describe a canopy or shelter from the sun. The word "umbrella" was first used in English in the 14th century, and it referred to a portable canopy of cloth or leather that provided shade or protection from the rain. Over time, the design of umbrellas evolved to include fabric panels and turning handles, allowing users to adjust the angle and direction of the shade or protection. Today, the word "umbrella" is used to describe not only the physical object but also a broader concept of protection or coverage, often used in idiomatic expressions such as "under the umbrella of" or "to come under the umbrella of."