ETYM French, from Spanish or Portu. parasol, or Italian parasole; Italian parare to ward off, Spanish and Portu. parar (Latin parare to prepare) + Italian sole sun, Spanish and Portu. sol (Latin sol). Related to Parry, Solar.
A handheld collapsible source of shade; SYN. sunshade.

Something used as a protection from the sun's rays: as parasol; awning