I. ˈhā-(ˌ)lō noun
( plural halos or haloes )
Etymology: Latin halos, from Greek halōs threshing floor, disk, halo
Date: 1603
1. : a circle of light appearing to surround the sun or moon and resulting from refraction or reflection of light by ice particles in the atmosphere
2. : something resembling a halo: as
a. : nimbus
b. : a region of space surrounding a galaxy that is sparsely populated with luminous objects (as globular clusters) but is believed to contain a great deal of dark matter
c. : a differentiated zone surrounding a central zone or object
d. : an orthopedic device used to immobilize the head and neck (as to treat fracture of neck vertebrae) that consists of a metal band placed around the head and fastened to the skull usually with metal pins and that is attached by extensions to an inflexible vest — called also halo brace
3. : the aura of glory, veneration, or sentiment surrounding an idealized person or thing
II. transitive verb
Date: 1801
: to form into or surround with a halo
rainbows halo ed the waterfalls — Michael Crawford