DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan

 the shades
 夜色,陰間

 Shade n.
 1. Comparative obscurity owing to interception or interruption of the rays of light; partial darkness caused by the intervention of something between the space contemplated and the source of light.
 Note: ☞ Shade differs from shadow as it implies no particular form or definite limit; whereas a shadow represents in form the object which intercepts the light. When we speak of the shade of a tree, we have no reference to its form; but when we speak of measuring a pyramid or other object by its shadow, we have reference to its form and extent.
 2. Darkness; obscurity; -- often in the plural.
    The shades of night were falling fast.   --Longfellow.
 3. An obscure place; a spot not exposed to light; hence, a secluded retreat.
 Let us seek out some desolate shade, and there
 Weep our sad bosoms empty.   --Shak.
 4. That which intercepts, or shelters from, light or the direct rays of the sun; hence, also, that which protects from heat or currents of air; a screen; protection; shelter; cover; as, a lamp shade.
    The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.   --Ps. cxxi. 5.
    Sleep under a fresh tree's shade.   --Shak.
    Let the arched knife well sharpened now assail the spreading shades of vegetables.   --J. Philips.
 5. Shadow. [Poetic.]
    Envy will merit, as its shade, pursue.   --Pope.
 6. The soul after its separation from the body; -- so called because the ancients it to be perceptible to the sight, though not to the touch; a spirit; a ghost; as, the shades of departed heroes.
 Swift as thought the flitting shade
 Thro' air his momentary journey made.   --Dryden.
 7. Painting, Drawing, etc. The darker portion of a picture; a less illuminated part. See Def. 1, above.
 8. Degree or variation of color, as darker or lighter, stronger or paler; as, a delicate shade of pink.
    White, red, yellow, blue, with their several degrees, or shades and mixtures, as green only in by the eyes.   --Locke.
 9. A minute difference or variation, as of thought, belief, expression, etc.; also, the quality or degree of anything which is distinguished from others similar by slight differences; as, the shades of meaning in synonyms.
    New shades and combinations of thought.   --De Quincey.
    Every shade of religious and political opinion has its own headquarters.   --Macaulay.
 The Shades, the Nether World; the supposed abode of souls after leaving the body.