corona

noun

co·​ro·​na kə-ˈrō-nə 

plural coronas

1

: the projecting part of a classic cornice

2

: something suggesting a crown: such as

a plural coronae kə-ˈrō-(ˌ)nē  also coronas

(1)

: a usually colored circle often seen around and close to a luminous body (such as the sun or moon) caused by diffraction produced by suspended droplets or occasionally particles of dust

(2)

: the tenuous outermost part of the atmosphere of a star (such as the sun)

(3)

: a circle of light made by the apparent convergence of the streamers of the aurora borealis

b

: the upper portion of a bodily part (such as a tooth or the skull)

c

: an appendage or series of united appendages on the inner side of the corolla in some flowers (such as the daffodil, jonquil, or milkweed)

d

: a faint glow adjacent to the surface of an electrical conductor at high voltage

e

informal : coronavirus

In the fight against the consequences of the corona epidemic, the Italian government is resorting to radical measures.

—Anne Kunz et al.

3

[from La Corona, a trademark] : a long cigar having the sides straight to the end to be lit and being roundly blunt at the other end

Illustration of corona

• a corona 2c

Examples of corona in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Furthermore, recent research based on data from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) indicates that the Sun’s corona often produces small flashes before regions below are about to experience a solar flare. —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 24 Apr. 2024

During totality, the sun's outer atmosphere known as the corona, which is normally lost in the sun's bright glare, makes a dazzling appearance. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024

The preparation led to a groundbreaking moment where students, teachers and parents were able to briefly remove their protective eyeglasses and observe the moon’s complete blockage of the sun, revealing its radiating halo known as the corona. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2024

The space agency says that when the moon covers the sun, the corona emits electromagnetic radiation. —Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2024

Some of the nation saw a total solar eclipse, when the moon is encircled by a ring of light, or a corona, from the sun. —The Arizona Republic, 8 Apr. 2024

All the people around me fell silent amid the cool, still air, and the corona of the sun radiated and wisped above. —Maya Silver, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2024

During totality, viewers may see a corona, the outermost part of the sun's atmosphere. —Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2024

Google users who search about the eclipse can see a graphic overlay depicting what millions on the path of totality will see Monday: the moment when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, revealing just the sun's outermost layer called the corona. —USA TODAY, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin corōna "garland worn on the head as a mark of honor or emblem of majesty, halo around a celestial body, top part of an entablature" — more at crown entry 1

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing corona

• corona radiata

Kids Definition

corona

noun

co·​ro·​na kə-ˈrō-nə 

1

: a usually colored circle often seen around and close to a shining body (as the sun or moon)

2

: the outermost part of the atmosphere of a star (as the sun)

3

: a faint glow next to the surface of an electrical conductor at high voltage

coronal

ˈkȯr-ən-ᵊl

ˈkär-;

kə-ˈrōn-

adjective

Medical Definition

corona

noun

co·​ro·​na kə-ˈrō-nə 

1

: the upper portion of a bodily part (as a tooth or the skull)

2

informal : coronavirus

Geographical Definition

Corona

geographical name

Co·​ro·​na kə-ˈrō-nə 

city in southern California east of Los Angeles population 152,374