halo
UK: ˈheɪləʊ | US: ˈheɪloʊ
n. a circle of light around the sun, moon, or other luminous body
n. a symbolic ring of light depicted around the head of a holy figure
n. an aura of glory or admiration surrounding a person or thing
halo = hal<circle> + o<noun suffix>
- hal (from Greek halōs meaning "threshing floor, disk, ring")
- o (a common noun-forming suffix in Greek and Latin borrowings)
Etymology Origin:
The word "halo" traces back to Greek halōs, originally referring to the circular threshing floor where grain was separated from chaff. Over time, it evolved to describe the luminous ring observed around celestial bodies, later symbolizing divine radiance in religious art. The transition from a physical circle to a metaphorical emblem of holiness reflects the blending of agricultural and spiritual imagery in ancient cultures.
The moon was surrounded by a faint halo last night.
Medieval paintings often depict saints with golden halos.
Her kindness gave her a halo of goodwill among her peers.
Scientists study the halo effect in atmospheric optics.
The photographer captured a perfect halo around the streetlamp in the fog.