AUREOLA

Etymology

Noun

aureola (plural aureolas or aureolae)

Radiance of luminous cloud that surrounds the figure in a painting of a sacred personage.

Usage notes

• Distinct from the nimbus, which only covers the head.

• Not to be confused with areola.

Source: Wiktionary

Au*re"o*la, Au"re*ole, n. Etym: [F. auréole, fr. L. aureola, (fem adj.) of gold (sc. corona crown), dim. of aureus. See Aureate, Oriole.]

1. (R. C. Theol.)

Definition: A celestial crown or accidental glory added to the bliss of heaven, as a reward to those (as virgins, martyrs, preachers, etc.) who have overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil.

2. The circle of rays, or halo of light, with which painters surround the figure and represent the glory of Christ, saints, and others held in special reverence.

Note: Limited to the head, it is strictly termed a nimbus; when it envelops the whole body, an aureola. Fairholt.

3. A halo, actual or figurative. The glorious aureole of light seen around the sun during total eclipses. Proctor. The aureole of young womanhood. O. W. Holmes.

4. (Anat.)

Definition: See Areola, 2.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition