halo

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an indication of radiant light drawn around the head of a saint
  2. noun a toroidal shape
  3. noun a circle of light around the sun or moon

Etymology

From Latin halōs, from Ancient Greek ἅλως (hálōs, “threshing floor; disk; disk of the sun or moon; ring of light around the sun or moon”), of unknown origin. The threshing floor's circular threshold or oxen walking on it in a circle gave rise to the other meanings. Used in English since 1563; the sense of light around someone’s head since 1646.

In classic literature

Synonyms

aura, aureole, nimbus, glory, gloriole

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