canopy

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a covering fixed or suspended overhead for shelter or decoration

   A canvas canopy shaded the market stall.

2. 2
   noun

   the upper layer formed by branches and leaves in a forest

   Little sunlight reaches the forest floor through the dense canopy.

3. 3
   noun

   the transparent cover over an aircraft cockpit

   The pilot closed the canopy before takeoff.

4. 4
   noun

   the fabric part of a parachute that fills with air

   The parachute canopy opened cleanly above her.

From late Middle English, through Medieval Latin canopeum and Latin conopeum, from Greek konopeion ("couch with mosquito curtains"), from konops ("mosquito"). The word first referred to a protective net or ceremonial covering over a bed, then broadened to roofs, overhanging layers of foliage, parachutes, and cockpit covers.

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