The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word PENUMBRAE
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The straight part
We know that "shadowy areas" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shadowy areas = penumbrae.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PENUMBRAE mean?
PENUMBRAE noun- A partially shaded area around the edges of a shadow, especially an eclipse.
- A region around the edge of a sunspot, darker than the sun's surface but lighter than the middle of the sunspot.
- An area of uncertainty or intermediacy between two mutually exclusive states or categories.
- An area that lies on the edge of something; a fringe.
- Something related to, connected to, and implied by, the existence of something else that is necessary for the second thing to be full and complete in its essential aspects.
- (in "ischaemic penumbra", after a stroke) A region of the brain that has lost only some of its blood supply, and retains structural integrity but has lost function.