aura

au·ra

noun \ˈȯr-ə\

Definition of AURA

1

a : a subtle sensory stimulus (as an aroma)

b : a distinctive atmosphere surrounding a given source <the place had an aura of mystery>

2

: a luminous radiation : nimbus

3

: a subjective sensation (as of lights) experienced before an attack of some disorders (as epilepsy or a migraine)

4

: an energy field that is held to emanate from a living being

Examples of AURA

1. <the monastery perched high on a mountaintop had an aura of unreality and mystery about it>
2. <alternative medical treatments that rely on the practitioner's ability to detect a patient's aura>

Origin of AURA

Middle English, from Latin, puff of air, breeze, from Greek; probably akin to Greek aēr air

First Known Use: 1694

Related to AURA

Synonyms

air, ambience (or ambiance), aroma, atmosphere, climate, flavor, halo, karma, mood, nimbus, note, odor, patina, smell, temper, vibration(s)

Related Words

aureole (or aureola), mystique, romance; genius loci; feel, feeling, sensation, sense, spirit; attribute, character, characteristic, image, mark, notion, peculiarity, picture, property, trait; color, illusion, overtone, semblance, suggestion, tone

Rhymes with AURA

bora, flora, hora, mora, sora, Torah

au·ra

noun \ˈȯr-ə\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; aurasalso ; au·rae \-ē\ (audio pronunciation)

Medical Definition of AURA

: a subjective sensation (as of voices or colored lights or crawling and numbness) experienced before an attack of some nervous disorders (as epilepsy or migraine)