Ayatollah (noun)

A high-ranking Shiite Muslim cleric who is considered to be an authority on religious law and its interpretation.

Origin:

From persian "ayatollah", from "ayat" meaning "sign, verse" and "ollah" meaning "highest point, most learned", this term is used to refer to a high-ranking shia muslim cleric.

Examples:

1. Ayatollah Khomeini was the Supreme Leader of Iran from 1979 until his death in 1989.
2. The ayatollahs are the highest religious authority in Iran and have significant political power.
3. Ayatollah Ali Sistani is one of the most influential ayatollahs in Iraq.
4. The ayatollahs of Iran are considered to be maraji, or sources of emulation, by many Shiites.
5. Many believe that the ayatollahs hold the power to make or break political leaders in Iran.