Aura

aura /ˈɔːrə /

▸ noun (plural auras)(plural or aurae /ˈɔːriː/) 1 the distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround and be generated by a person, thing, or place: the ceremony retains an aura of mystery.

2 (in spiritualism and some forms of alternative medicine) a supposed emanation surrounding the body of a living creature and regarded as an essential part of the individual: emotional, mental, and spiritual levels form an energy field around the body known as the aura muddy colours in the aura indicate negative emotions. ▪ any invisible emanation, especially an odour: there was a faint aura of disinfectant.

3 Medicine a warning sensation experienced before an attack of epilepsy or migraine.

– ORIGIN late Middle English (originally denoting a gentle breeze): via Latin from Greek, ‘breeze, breath’. Current senses date from the 18th century.

OED

Previous
Previous

Preprandial Postpartum Pause

Next
Next

The Other Rollerskate