Umbra is one of those really great descriptive words that gets used in detective novels and poetry and scrabble (u words are always great!). Umbra is more than just a shadow, however, since umbra means the darkest, deepest part of a shadow. Umbra is often used in astronomy to describe the cone-shaped area of full shadow that is cast during an eclipse. Umbra is also that deep, dark, cool shady spot under a tree that you seek out during the hot, sunny summer afternoons, or the darkest corner of an alley, perfect for hiding in.
The umbra here is the darkest part of the shadows being cast by the door handles.
I think it’s neat to know that even shadows have differing parts and that umbra is the darkest part. The more you know, right!
Namaste ~ Ella
*Check out the Word Nerd Index and my Word Nerd Pinterest Board for other superb words!
** If there’s a word you’d like to see added to the Word Nerd roster, please feel free to contact me or suggest it in the comments – I love feedback and recommendations!
Lawhimsy 