halo

ha•lo

[[t]ˈheɪ loʊ[/t]] n. pl. -los, -loes,

1) Also called nimbus

the representation, as in pictures or statuary, of a radiant light, usu. in the shape of a disk, ring, or rayed form, above or around the head of a divine, holy, or greatly exalted personage.

2) something suggesting such a light or shape

3) nimbus 2)

4) mer any of a variety of bright circles or arcs centered on the sun or moon, caused by the refraction or reflection of light by ice crystals suspended in the earth's atmosphere

(disting. from corona 1), b)).

5) to surround with a halo

6) to form a halo

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Etymology: 1555–65; < L, acc. of halōs circle round sun or moon < Gk hálōs orig., disk, threshing floor