1. A circle of light or radiance surrounding the head of a sacred figure in art; a halo.
Usage: Also called an aureole; common in religious and medieval art
2. A bright or shining circle or ring of light around something.
Usage: Figurative or poetic use

Examples

• The saint in the painting was depicted with a golden aureola above her head.
• Medieval manuscripts often featured aureolas around the figures of Christ and the apostles.
• The full moon seemed to have a faint aureola in the night sky.
• Artists used the aureola to signify holiness and divine presence.
• The sunrise created an aureola of pink and orange light on the horizon.
• In religious iconography, the aureola became a standard symbol of sanctity.