aureole

Noun
Synonyms: coronaaurahalonimbusglorygloriole

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. the outermost region of the sun's atmosphere; visible as a white halo during a solar eclipseSynonyms: corona
  2. an indication of radiant light drawn around the head of a saintSynonyms: aurahalonimbusglorygloriole
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Aureola \Au*re"o*la\, Aureole \Au"re*ole\, n. [F. aur['e]ole, fr. L. aureola, (fem adj.) of gold (sc. corona crown), dim. of aureus. See Aureate, Oriole.]

1.(R. C. Theol.) A celestial crown or accidental glory added to the bliss of heaven, as a reward to those (as virgins, martyrs, preachers, etc.) who have overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. [1913 Webster]

2.The circle of rays, or halo of light, with which painters surround the figure and represent the glory of Christ, saints, and others held in special reverence. [1913 Webster]

Note: Limited to the head, it is strictly termed a nimbus; when it envelops the whole body, an aureola. --Fairholt. [1913 Webster]

3.A halo, actual or figurative. [1913 Webster]

The glorious aureole of light seen around the sun during total eclipses.— Proctor.[1913 Webster]
The aureole of young womanhood.— O. W. Holmes.[1913 Webster]

4.(Anat.) See Areola, 2. [1913 Webster]

5.the outermost region of the sun's atmosphere; visible from earth during a solar eclipse, or in outer space by the use of special instruments; a corona[5].

Syn: corona. [WordNet 1.5 +PJC]

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