noun
- A high-ranking religious authority and legal expert in Shia Islam.
Usage: Often used as a title of respect for senior Islamic scholars in Iran and other Shia-majority regions.; The term literally means 'sign of God' in Arabic.
Examples
- The ayatollah issued a religious ruling on the matter.
- Ayatollah Khomeini was a prominent political and religious figure in Iran.
- Many followers seek guidance from their local ayatollah.
- The ayatollah's teachings are studied by theology students.
- Several ayatollahs gathered to discuss Islamic law.