/
ˈɔːrɪəʊl/
n.
- (in paintings) a radiant circle surrounding a person's head or body as a way of representing holiness.
- a corona around the sun or moon.
- Geology the zone of metamorphosed rock surrounding an igneous intrusion.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. aureole, from L. aureola (corona) ‘golden (crown)’, fem. of aureolus (dimin. of aureus, from aurum ‘gold’).
