Shiah

/ ˈʃiːə /

noun

1. one of the two main branches of Islam (the other being the Sunni), making up a tenth or more of the entire Muslim population, and forming the majority in Iran and Iraq, which regards Mohammed's cousin Ali and his successors as the true imams
2. See Shiite
   another name for Shiite

adjective

1. designating or characteristic of this sect or its beliefs and practices

Word History and Origins

Origin of Shiah¹

C17: from Arabic shī`ah sect, from shā`a to follow