emir

noun eh-MEER Rare

Origin: Arabic amir (commander)

Usage Note

Emir entered Spanish via Arabic amir, the same root as almirante ('admiral'). It designates a Muslim prince or ruler of an emirate (emirato). In modern use it appears mainly in reference to Gulf states. The feminine equivalent, rarely needed, would be emira.

Examples

"El emir presidió la ceremonia oficial."

Natural Translation

The emir presided over the official ceremony.

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