qur'an
UK[kʊˈrɑːn]US[kʊˈrɑːn]
n
The sacred book of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
Etymology
The word 'Qur'an' is a direct transliteration of the Arabic 'قرآن' (qur'ān), which itself is derived from the Arabic root 'q-r-ā', carrying the core meaning of 'to read' or 'to recite'. This etymology directly reflects the book's primary nature as a text meant to be recited aloud. The term entered English through contact with Islamic cultures and scholarship, retaining its original form and sacred significance. As a proper noun for a central religious text, its spelling and pronunciation have been standardized in English to reflect its Arabic origin.
Analysis
This word is a loanword from Arabic. It is not segmentable into meaningful morphemes using its English spelling.
Examples
Muslims believe the Qur'an contains the final revelation from God.
She is studying a translation of the Qur'an to understand Islamic teachings.
Verses from the Qur'an are often recited during prayers.