aureole
UK: ˈɔːriəʊl | US: ˈɔːrioʊl
n. 1. A radiant light or halo surrounding a figure, especially in religious art.
n. 2. A circle of light or brightness, such as the corona around the sun or moon.
aureole = aure<gold> + ole<diminutive suffix>
- aure (from Latin aureus, meaning "golden" or "gold")
- ole (a diminutive suffix, often indicating something small or related to the root)
Etymology Origin:
The word "aureole" traces back to Latin aureola (corona), a diminutive of aureus (golden). It originally described a golden crown or halo, symbolizing divine radiance in religious iconography. Over time, it expanded to describe natural luminous phenomena, like the sun's corona. The morpheme aure preserves the "gold" association, while -ole subtly softens it into a "small golden light."
The saint’s head was painted with a glowing aureole in the medieval fresco.
During the eclipse, the sun’s aureole was visible as a shimmering ring.
The artist meticulously added an aureole to the angel’s portrait.
Photographers often capture the moon’s aureole on clear winter nights.
In symbolism, an aureole represents purity and celestial connection.