aureola
|au-re-o-la|
🇺🇸
/ˌɔːriˈoʊlə/
🇬🇧
/ˌɔːrɪˈəʊlə/
ring of light; halo
Etymology
'aureola' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'aureola', a diminutive of 'aureus' (from 'aurum'), where 'aurum' meant 'gold' and 'aureus' meant 'golden'.
'aureola' passed into Medieval Latin and Old French (as 'aureole'/'aureole') and then into Middle English as 'aureole' or 'aureola', becoming the modern English 'aureola' (and the variant 'aureole').
Initially, it meant 'a small golden thing' or 'little gold (ring)', reflecting color and sheen; over time it evolved to mean specifically a 'ring or radiance (halo)' around a figure or object.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a halo or radiance surrounding the head of a sacred or revered person, especially in religious art.
The painting shows the saint with a bright aureola around his head.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a ring or circle of light or color surrounding an object; a radiance seen as a surrounding ring.
At sunrise there was a faint aureola around the distant hill.
Synonyms
Noun 3
a figurative aura or atmosphere of distinction surrounding a person or thing.
Her early successes put an aureola of expertise around her name.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/20 09:28