[au.re.ole] or au.re.o.la n [ME aureole heavenly crown worn by saints, fr. ML aureola, fr. L, fem. of aureolus golden, dim. of aureus] (13c) 1 a: a radiant light around the head or body of a representation of a sacred personage b: something resembling an aureole "an ~ of hair"
2: radiance, aura "an ~ 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 vt