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