Definition

Proper noun A specific, historically and religiously significant mountain located on the Sinai Peninsula. It is traditionally identified as the site where, according to biblical narrative, Moses received the Ten Commandments from God.

Usage

"Mount Sinai" is used as a proper name to refer to this specific geographical and historical location. It is often discussed in religious, historical, and archaeological contexts. * The pilgrims began their ascent of Mount Sinai before dawn. * According to the Book of Exodus, God gave the law to Moses on Mount Sinai. * The monastery of St. Catherine lies at the foot of Mount Sinai.

Advanced Usage

• "The Mount Sinai Tradition": Refers to the collective religious, literary, and theological accounts associated with the mountain.
• Used metaphorically to signify a source of divine or fundamental law or revelation.
  • The document was treated as a Mount Sinai for the new political movement.

Variants and Related Words

• Mount Horeb: Another biblical name often used synonymously for the same mountain.
• Jabal Musa: (Arabic: "Mountain of Moses") The common local name for the peak identified as Mount Sinai.

Synonyms

• (As a source of law) Foundation, authority, cornerstone.

Noun

1. a mountain peak in the southern Sinai Peninsula (7,500 feet high); it is believed to be the peak on which Moses received the Ten Commandments