Corona

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /kəˈɹəʊ.nə/

Definitions

1. A crown-like structure often seen in astronomy related to the sun, a glowing circle observed during specific celestial events, or a floral arrangement surrounding reproductive organs that enhances visual appeal
2. A circular, halo-like formation appearing around a celestial body or bright object ; the outer gaseous layer surrounding the sun visible during eclipses ; an emission of light or glow caused by electrical discharge around objects
3. A luminous ring or crown that often surrounds the sun or moon, creating a visible aura ; the sun's outermost atmosphere, consisting of plasma extending millions of kilometers into space ; light produced by ionization around sharp points or wires in high voltage conditions

Etymology: Before it meant a halo around the sun, the Latin "corona" was simply a crown or garland, and the Greek "korṓnē" it came from described a curved object such as a door handle, the tip of a bow, or the stern of a ship. The shared idea is curvature: something bent into a ring or arc. The English word is a doublet of "crown", meaning that "crown" and "corona" entered the language by different routes from the same root, so they are cousins rather than one word borrowed twice. Related forms such as "krona" and "krone" are the currency names descended from the same stem. The word's most recent sense has a different source. The "coronavirus" family was named for the crown-like spikes visible on its virus particles, and "corona" is a clipping of that name. The solar and electrical senses are older, and the word also appears as the name of a Cuban cigar brand, borrowed from Spanish "La Corona" ("The Crown").

Synonyms: crown, halo, ring, aureole