co|ro|na

co|ro|na «kuh ROH nuh», noun, plural -nas, -nae«-nee».

1. a) a ring of light seen around the sun, moon, or other luminous body. It is usually colored and is caused by diffraction produced by thin clouds or mist. b) a halo of light around the sun, seen only during an eclipse or with a coronagraph.

2. a) a crownlike part, such as the top of the head or the crown of a tooth. b) Botany. a crownlike appendage on the inner side of the corolla in some flowers, such as the daffodil. c) Zoology. the ciliated, retractile area at the anterior end of a rotifer.

3. Architecture. the main, projecting element of a cornice.

4. a discharge of electricity, often visible, that occurs at the surface of a conductor or between two terminals; brush discharge.

5. a long, untapered cigar, usually one of superior quality: »

Subtle attempts are being made to convince women that a man with a giant corona in his mouth is a sight both gracious and graceful (Punch).

╂[< Latin corōna < Greek korē. See etym. of doublet crown. (Cf. ↑crown)]