gaon

noun

ga·​on

ˈgäˌōn

plural geonim

gāˈōnə̇m,

ˌgāōˈnēm

also gaons

often capitalized

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

Word History

Etymology

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

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