aureola

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. In representations of the Deity, the Virgin Mary, saints, martyrs, etc., a radiance or luminous cloud emanating from and surrounding the whole figure. If the figure is represented in an erect position, the aureola is usually oval, or of the form known as the vesica piscis (fish's bladder); if the figure is sitting, the aureola often approaches a circular form. Aureola, nimbus, and glory are frequently confounded, though technically quite distinct. See nimbus and glory.
2. n. Anything resembling an aureola. Specifically— In astronomy, the ring of light seen around the moon in total eclipses of the sun. In meteorology, a kind of halo surrounding a shadow cast upon a cloud or fog-bank or dew-covered grass: often observed by aëronauts on the upper surface of clouds. Also called a glory.
3. n. In Roman Catholic theology, a higher reward added to the essential bliss of heaven as a recompense for a special spiritual victory gained by the person to whom it is attributed: as, the aureola of virgins, martyrs, doctors, etc.

Wiktionary

1. n. Radiance of luminous cloud that sorrounds the figure in a painting of a sacred personage.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. (R. C. Theol.) 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. n. 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.
3. n. A halo, actual or figurative.
4. n. (Anat.) See Areola, 2.
5. n. the outermost region of the sun's atmosphere; visible from earth during a solar eclipse, or in outer space by the use of special instruments; a corona{5}.