corona
UK: kəˈrəʊnə | US: kəˈroʊnə
n. 1. A crown or garland, especially as a symbol of victory or honor.
n. 2. The outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere, visible during a total solar eclipse.
n. 3. (Architecture) A circular chandelier or ornament.
n. 4. (Virology) Short for "coronavirus," referring to the virus family's crown-like spike proteins.
Derived from Latin "corōna" (meaning "crown, wreath"), which traces back to Ancient Greek "κορώνη" (korṓnē, "garland, curved object"). The word originally described circular or crown-shaped objects, later extending to celestial phenomena (e.g., solar corona) due to their radiant, crown-like appearance. In virology, "coronavirus" was coined in 1968 for the virus's characteristic spike proteins resembling a solar corona.
The ancient Romans awarded laurel coronas to victorious generals.
Scientists study the sun's corona to understand solar winds.
The cathedral's corona cast a golden glow over the nave.
COVID-19 is caused by a novel strain of corona.
The queen's corona was adorned with rare gemstones.