having the function of uniting a group of similar things; "the Democratic Party is an umbrella for many liberal groups"; "under the umbrella of capitalism"
a formation of military planes maintained over ground operations or targets; "an air umbrella over England"
a lightweight handheld collapsible canopy
covering or applying simultaneously to a number of similar items or elements or groups; "an umbrella organization"; "umbrella insurance coverage"
work that you are obliged to perform for moral or legal reasons; "the duties of the job"
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force; "we must instill a sense of duty in our children"; "every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty"- John D.Rockefeller Jr
a government tax on imports or exports; "they signed a treaty to lower duties on trade between their countries"