GRE Word List

PENUMBRA

a space of partial illumination (as in an eclipse) between the perfect shadow on all sides and the full light

The meaning of the word penumbra is a space of partial illumination (as in an eclipse) between the perfect shadow on all sides and the full light.

Random words

WordMeaning
abridgeto shorten by omission of words without sacrifice of sense : condense
parameteran arbitrary constant whose value characterizes a member of a system (such as a family of curves)
recantto withdraw or repudiate (a statement or belief) formally and publicly : renounce
unbridledunrestrained
melancholydepression of spirits : dejection
blandishmentsomething that tends to coax or cajole : allurement
jettisonto get rid of as superfluous or encumbering : omit or forgo as part of a plan or as the result of some other decision
perquisitea privilege, gain, or profit incidental to regular salary or wages
nugatoryof little or no consequence : trifling
loatheto dislike greatly and often with disgust or intolerance : detest