aura
/ˈɔːrə
/noun (plural auras or aurae /ˈɔːriː/)
1The distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround and be generated by a person, thing, or place: the ceremony retains an aura of mystery...
- The scene was spectacular: spotlights in the grass cast a fine play of light and shadow, creating an aura of ancient grandeur and mystery.
- Historical sites of revolutions are often imbued with an aura of romantic mystique.
- The meditative mood and ethereal atmosphere of the painting create an aura of intimacy that counters the epic scale of its composition.
Synonyms
atmosphere, air, quality, aspect, character, ambience, mood, spirit, feeling, feel, flavour, colouring, colour, complexion, climate, tone, overtone, undertone, tenor, impression, suggestion, emanation;
vibrations
informal vibes, vibe
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...
- Around their bodies shimmered auras of living energy.
- Her latest book, Light Body, an intense study of the human aura, spiritual energy and the awakening of the human soul will be published in September.
- Negative energy that is part of your aura attracts more negative energy.
2.1Any invisible emanation, especially an odour: there was a faint aura of disinfectant...
- The power and aroma of their particular auras bombarded me and I felt disgusted with the stench of them.
- I recognized the stench, the aura that hung in the air; thick and palpable… a portent of imminent death.
- But still there was a warm aura about her that brought the faintest of smiles to his face.
3 Medicine A warning sensation experienced before an attack of epilepsy or migraine.The results were true only for people with migraine accompanied by an aura, or a warning sensation that occurs before the headache begins....
- Sometimes there is a warning of the attack called an aura perhaps an unpleasant odor or spots before the eyes.
- One such experience taught me the nature of my migraine aura.
Origin
Late Middle English (originally denoting a gentle breeze): via Latin from Greek, 'breeze, breath'. Current senses date from the 18th century.
Originally a gentle breeze, aura comes via Latin from a Greek word meaning ‘breeze, breath’. Current senses ‘distinctive atmosphere’, ‘emanation’, date from the 18th century.