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ayatollah

[ ah-yuh-toh-luh ]

noun

  1. (among Shiʿites) a title in the religious hierarchy achieved by scholars who have demonstrated highly advanced knowledge of Islamic law and religion.


ayatollah

/ ˌaɪəˈtɒlə /

noun

  1. one of a class of Iranian Shiite religious leaders
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of ayatollah1

1975–80; < Persian < Arabic āyat allāh sign of God; Allah
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Word History and Origins

Origin of ayatollah1

via Persian from Arabic, from aya sign + Allah god
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Example Sentences

Marandi kept the aged ayatollah under observation and advised him not to work so hard.

“Ayatollah Khomeini had a stroke in 1986 and became comatose,” says Khalaji.

When the Islamic Republic finally agreed to peace, its leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, likened it to drinking a cup of poison.

But John is sure that he can nurture Ayatollah to bring out the best in him, if only Tzipi and Saeb will do their best for Salaam.

Already in the womb, little Ayatollah is displaying worrisome signs.

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