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aureole

noun
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au·​re·​ole | \ ˈȯr-ē-ˌōl How to pronounce aureole (audio) \
variants: or aureola \ ȯ-​ˈrē-​ə-​lə How to pronounce aureole (audio) , ə-​ \

Definition of aureole

1a : a radiant light around the head or body of a representation of a sacred personage
b : something resembling an aureole an aureole of hair
2 : radiance, aura an aureole of youth and health
3 : the luminous area surrounding the sun or other bright light when seen through thin cloud or mist : corona
4 : a ring-shaped zone around an igneous intrusion
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Other Words from aureole

aureole transitive verb

Synonyms for aureole

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Examples of aureole in a Sentence

the white marble sculpture of the saint in the throes of divine ecstasy is strikingly offset by a gilt aureole
Recent Examples on the Web One image, Imogen, has the model’s head encircled with flora like an aureole composed of twiggy branches, foliage, and wildflowers. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "Meet the Artist Using a 100-Year-Old Technique to Depict the Power of Women’s Hair," 25 Oct. 2020 However, if the region was made up of ice, De Blasio says, then ice should be present around the western edge of the aureole. — Nola Taylor Redd, Smithsonian Magazine, "Mars Had Landslide-Powered Tsunamis That Put Earth’s Mega-Waves to Shame," 10 July 2020 Dark wood stain applied in the center of three interlocking aureole forms gives one floor-sculpture the appearance of a giant bouquet of Van Gogh’s sunflowers — a symbol of happiness now bloated and earthbound. — Christopher Knight, latimes.com, "Jamison Carter's sculptures: Like a carpenter's guide to the cosmos, or earthbound explosions of space," 14 June 2018 In the strongest work, half of the 9-foot-tall aureole apparently has been blown away, black resin flapping in shards out the back. — Christopher Knight, latimes.com, "Jamison Carter's sculptures: Like a carpenter's guide to the cosmos, or earthbound explosions of space," 14 June 2018 Venus Express will peer into the planet's upper atmosphere during the aureole, providing an absolute chemical measurement. — Dave Mosher, Popular Mechanics, "How the Venus Transit Will Help Us Hunt New Earths," 4 June 2012

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aureole.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of aureole

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for aureole

Middle English aureole heavenly crown worn by saints, from Medieval Latin aureola, from Latin, feminine of aureolus golden, diminutive of aureus

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Time Traveler for aureole

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The first known use of aureole was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Aureole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aureole. Accessed 24 Jan. 2021.

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