\Co*ro"na\ (k?-r?"n?), n.; pl. L. {Coron[ae]} (-n?), E.
{Coronas} (-n?z). [L. corona crown. See {Crown}.]
1. A crown or garland bestowed among the Romans as a reward
   for distinguished services.
2. (Arch.) The projecting part of a Classic cornice, the
   under side of which is cut with a recess or channel so as
   to form a drip. See Illust. of {Column}.
3. (Anat.) The upper surface of some part, as of a tooth or
   the skull; a crown.
4. (Zo["o]l.) The shelly skeleton of a sea urchin.
5. (Astrol.) A peculiar luminous appearance, or aureola,
   which surrounds the sun, and which is seen only when the
   sun is totally eclipsed by the moon.
6. (Bot.)
   (a) An inner appendage to a petal or a corolla, often
       forming a special cup, as in the daffodil and jonquil.
   (b) Any crownlike appendage at the top of an organ.
7. (Meteorol.)
   (a) A circle, usually colored, seen in peculiar states of
       the atmosphere around and close to a luminous body, as
       the sun or moon.
   (b) A peculiar phase of the {aurora borealis}, formed by
       the concentration or convergence of luminous beams
       around the point in the heavens indicated by the
       direction of the dipping needle.
8. A crown or circlet suspended from the roof or vaulting of
   churches, to hold tapers lighted on solemn occasions. It
   is sometimes formed of double or triple circlets, arranged
   pyramidically. Called also {corona lucis}. --Fairholt.
9. (Mus.) A character [[pause]] called the {pause} or {hold}.