Corona, Corolla, Coronation
This has been the first update since the coronavirus appeared in January, 2020. As you know the word “corona” has become extremely popular these days. It has almost become an indispensable part of our lives. Well, do you know what the word corona really means? Where does the word corona come from? The word corona is originally from Latin corona that refers to “a crown, a garland or a corolla” (most probably BC). Therefore, long before it began to be used in 1600s with the meaning as we know and use today, the Romans used the word in their daily lives. The word “coronavirus“, however, began to be used by 1969 and it is so called for the sharp-pointed projections along the top, that is, the spikes protruding from its membranes and resemble the corona of the sun or the tines of a crown.
There are several words derived from the same root from which the word corona has entered our language. Here is a good word for you with the meaning of a small crown: corolla, which is diminutive of corona (for example, the corolla of a flower, Toyota Corolla etc.). A corona, a corolla or a garland was given for distinguished military service in the past (particularly in the Roman times). The word coronation which has derived from corona means the ceremony of installing a new monarch or furnishing with a crown or a wreath. Last but not least, the word corona refers to a long cigar with blunt ends. Look up the word corona at Cambridge Dictionary.
As for the various uses and meanings of the word corona, the following examples can be given:
- The corona (=the outermost region of the sun’s atmosphere) is as bright as the full moon.
- Her hair was like a burning corona (=a wreath or garland worn on the head) and her eyes were absolutely perfect with that blue color.
- It is highly probable that the corona (=short for coronavirus) has caused a great many infections in the last few months.
- Bob Lee was born in Corona (=a city in California) in 2019.
- After a tiring day at work, Jorge drank two bottles of Corona (=Corona Extra, one of the top-selling beers worldwide).