umbrella

Universal Words noun 1 (also BrE informal brolly) an object with a folding circular frame of metal rods covered with material, that you use to protect yourself from the rain or from hot sun: I put up my umbrella. * colourful beach umbrellas * a rolled / furled umbrella * an umbrella stand comparePARASOL, SUNSHADE 2 a thing that contains or includes many different parts or elements: Many previously separate groups are now operating under the umbrella of a single authority. * an umbrella organization / group / fund * 'Contact sports' is an umbrella term for a variety of different sports. 3 (written) a country or system that protects people: For decades the United States with its nuclear weapons was the umbrella for the western world.