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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

corona

kuh-ROH-nuh

Corona (noun) means the glowing outer atmosphere of the sun, visible as a bright ring during a total solar eclipse. Example: “Photographers waited for totality to capture the sun's corona.”

noun
1
The glowing outer atmosphere of the sun, visible as a bright ring during a total solar eclipse.
"Photographers waited for totality to capture the sun's corona."
2
A ring or halo of light around a bright object, such as the sun or moon.
"A faint corona surrounded the moon that night."
3
A coronavirus, or informally, COVID-19.
"Half the office was out with corona that week."

How to use corona

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA glowing ring of light around the sun, moon, or another bright object; informally, a coronavirus infection.

When to use it

Using "corona" alone to mean COVID-19 is informal/colloquial.

Common pairings
solar corona corona discharge

Word forms

coronaed past tense, coronas plural, coronae plural, coronæ plural, coronas plural, coronas plural, corone plural, coronas plural, coronas singular

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Test yourself on “corona” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Photographers waited for totality to capture the sun's _____.

Etymology

From Latin "corona" ("crown, garland"), from Greek "korōnē." A doublet of "crown" and "krone."

Origin: Latin

aureole corposant electric glow corona discharge

Related words

Rhymes for corona

See all rhymes for corona →

Frequently asked questions

What does “corona” mean?

The word “corona” means the glowing outer atmosphere of the sun, visible as a bright ring during a total solar eclipse. In plain terms, a glowing ring of light around the sun, moon, or another bright object; informally, a coronavirus infection.

How do you pronounce “corona”?

“Corona” is pronounced kuh-ROH-nuh (/kəˈɹoʊ.nə/ in IPA).

How do you use “corona” in a sentence?

Here is “corona” used in a sentence: “Photographers waited for totality to capture the sun's corona.”

What part of speech is “corona”?

“Corona” is a noun.

Where does the word “corona” come from?

The word “corona” comes from Latin. From Latin "corona" ("crown, garland"), from Greek "korōnē." A doublet of "crown" and "krone.".

Is “corona” a common word?

“Corona” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “corona” have?

“Corona” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the glowing outer atmosphere of the sun, visible as a bright ring during a total solar eclipse.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial