angel
angel Lexical Profile
angel Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A spiritual being believed in various religions and mythologies to act as an attendant, agent, or messenger of God, conventionally represented in human form with wings and a halo.
"The Renaissance fresco above the altar depicts an angel descending from the clouds."
A person of exemplary virtue, kindness, helpfulness, or loveliness.
"She was an absolute angel for helping us organize the community fundraiser on such short notice."
A financial backer who provides capital for a theatrical production or a startup business venture, often in exchange for ownership equity or convertible debt.
"The biotechnology startup secured early seed funding from an angel who believed in their research."
British A former English gold coin issued between the 15th and 17th centuries, bearing the image of the archangel Michael slaying a dragon.
"The museum's numismatic collection features a well-preserved gold angel minted during the reign of Henry VII."
Word Nuance & Usage
Frequently confused in spelling with 'angle' (a geometric figure formed by two intersecting lines); remember that 'angel' ends in '-el' like 'heavenly' names (Michael, Gabriel).
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'engel' and Old French 'angele', both via Late Latin 'angelus' from Ancient Greek 'angelos', meaning 'messenger'.