aureole
noun
au·re·ole ˈȯr-ē-ˌōl 
variants or aureola
ȯ-ˈrē-ə-lə
ə-
1
a
: 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
aureole transitive verb
Synonyms
- glory
- halo
- nimbus
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 4 June 2012
Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 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, 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, 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, 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, 4 June 2012 Word History
Etymology
Middle English aureole heavenly crown worn by saints, from Medieval Latin aureola, from Latin, feminine of aureolus golden, diminutive of aureus
First Known Use
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
aureoles
noun
variants or aureolae
as in haloes
an artistic rendering of radiant light around the head or body of a sacred personage the white marble sculpture of the saint in the throes of divine ecstasy is strikingly offset by a gilt aureole Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- haloes
- glories
- halos
- coronas
- auras
- nimbuses
- starbursts
- sunbursts
- nimbi