Halo
WordNet
noun
(1) An indication of radiant light drawn around the head of a saint
(2) A circle of light around the sun or moon
(3) A toroidal shape
"A ring of ships in the harbor"
"A halo of smoke"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From from , (also and ), itself of unknown origin, one theory being from .
Used in English since 1563, sense of light around someone’s head since 1646.
Noun
- A circular band of coloured light, visible around the sun or moon etc., caused by reflection and refraction of light by ice crystals in the atmosphere.
- Anything resembling this band, such as an effect caused by imperfect developing of photographs.
- nimbus, a luminous disc, often of gold, around or over the heads of saints, etc., in religious paintings.
- The metaphorical aura of glory, veneration or sentiment which surrounds an idealized entity.