GAON


Meaning of GAON in English

ˈgäˌōn,  ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ noun

( plural ge·o·nim gāˈōnə̇m, ˌgāōˈnēm ; also gaons )

Usage: often capitalized

Etymology: Hebrew gā'ōn majesty, excellence (plural gĕ'ōnīm )

1. : a Jewish head of one of the Babylonian academies at Sura and Pumbedita from about A.D. 589-1038 and usually an eminent religious scholar and judicial authority — used as a title of honor; compare exilarch

2. : an outstanding intellectual and Talmudic scholar

the celebrated 18th century gaon of Vilna

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.