1. plural of penumbra; partial shadows cast during an eclipse, or areas of partial illumination
Usage: astronomy; physics
2. plural of penumbra; uncertain or indefinite areas or conditions
Usage: figurative

Examples

• During the solar eclipse, observers in the penumbrae experienced only partial darkness.
• The penumbrae of the lunar eclipse created beautiful gradations of shadow.
• Scientists studied the penumbrae to better understand the eclipse phenomenon.
• The legal penumbrae surrounding the new regulations created confusion.
• These moral penumbrae make it difficult to determine right from wrong.
• The penumbrae between the two theories left room for interpretation.