umbrella

thumb|An umbrella alt=|thumb|Woman holding a parapluie at Zenkō-ji, Nagano, JapanAn umbrella (parasol or rarely parapluie) is a folding canopy supported by wooden or metal ribs that is mounted on a wooden, metal, or plastic pole. It is usually designed to protect a person against sun or rain. Initially they were used in warmer countries for shade from the sun, but in modern times they evolved to also be used for protection from rain. Etymologically, the term umbrella is to be used when protecting from the sun, but is also commonly used when protecting from rain. Some countries specifically use the words parasol and parapluie to differentiate based on their use. There are also combinations of parasol and parapluie that are called en-tout-cas (French for "in any case"). A modern hand-held umbrella or parasol may have a black exterior canopy and a silver inner coating, for better protection from both the sun and ultraviolet rays, and may be water-resistant.

In general, umbrellas are small, handheld, personal use items. There are two main types of umbrellas: completely collapsible umbrellas, which can be folded up into a small package because of the supporting metal pole's ability to retract, and non-collapsible umbrellas, where only the canopy can be folded up. Handheld umbrellas have a type of handle which can be made from wood or plastic in a bent "crook" handle (like the handle of a cane). Umbrellas are available in a range of price and quality points, ranging from inexpensive, modest quality models sold at discount stores to expensive, finely made, designer-labeled models. Manually operated umbrellas and spring-loaded automatic umbrellas, which open with a button press, can also be distinguished from one another. Larger parasols capable of blocking the sun for several people are often used as fixed or semi-fixed devices, used with patio tables or other outdoor furniture, or as points of shade on a sunny beach.