Corona Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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corona

[kəˈroʊ.nə ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

virus outbreak

Corona refers primarily to a type of virus known for causing respiratory illnesses, particularly COVID-19, which emerged in late 2019. It belongs to a family of viruses known as coronaviruses, which can cause illness in animals and humans. The term 'corona' is derived from the Latin word meaning 'crown,' reflecting the crown-like spikes on the virus's surface.

Synonyms

COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2.

Examples of usage

  • The corona virus has spread globally.
  • Scientists are working on a vaccine for the corona virus.
  • The pandemic caused by the corona virus changed daily life.
Context #2 | Noun

astronomy

In astronomy, corona refers to the outer atmosphere of a star, including the sun. It is visible during a total solar eclipse and consists of ionized gases that are hotter than the surface of the star. The study of the corona can provide insights into stellar processes and phenomena.

Synonyms

outer atmosphere, sun's atmosphere.

Examples of usage

  • The corona of the sun can be observed during eclipses.
  • Scientists study the solar corona to understand solar flares.
  • The corona consists of plasma heated to millions of degrees.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • The corona can reach temperatures of over 1 million degrees Celsius, making it much hotter than the sun's surface.
  • Scientists study the solar corona to understand solar winds, which affect space weather and Earth's magnetosphere.
  • Observations of the corona were crucial in confirming Einstein's theory of general relativity during a solar eclipse in 1919.

Pop Culture

  • The coronavirus pandemic has led to widespread use of the word 'corona' in media and discussions around health globally.
  • In pop culture, 'corona' is also recognized as a popular brand of beer, often associated with relaxation and beach vibes.
  • The term 'corona' has inspired various songs, albums, and even social media trends during times of crisis.

Astronomy

  • The corona is visible only during a total solar eclipse or with special instruments designed to capture its light.
  • Researchers monitor patterns in the corona to predict solar flares that can affect satellites and power grids on Earth.
  • Different wavelengths of light reveal different aspects of the corona, aiding scientists in solar research.

Health

  • The term 'corona' has also been used in the medical field, such as in 'coronary' conditions affecting the heart.
  • Health professionals have employed the term to describe the appearance of certain types of viruses based on their crown-like projections.

Origin of 'corona'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'corona' comes from Latin, meaning 'crown', which describes its shape during a solar eclipse.
  • In astronomy, 'corona' was first applied to the sun's outer layer in the 19th century.
  • The word also relates to 'coronary', referring to the coronary arteries that encircle the heart, just as the corona surrounds the sun.

The term 'corona' comes from the Latin word 'corona', which means 'crown' or 'halo'. This name was first applied to the outer atmosphere of the sun due to its resemblance to a glowing crown during a solar eclipse. In the context of viruses, the term was adopted in the early 1960s when the first coronaviruses were discovered in animals. The name was again used in 2019 when the novel coronavirus, later named SARS-CoV-2, caused a global pandemic. The use of 'corona' in both contexts reflects its broad application, from celestial bodies to cellular biology, showcasing the diverse fields of science that can share terminologies.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,122, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.