n. (pl. -ies) 1 an educational institution designed for instruction, examination, or both, of students in many branches of advanced learning, conferring degrees in various faculties, and often embodying colleges and similar institutions. 2 the members of this collectively. 3 a team, crew, etc., representing a university. at university studying at a university.
[ ME f. OF université f. L universitas -tatis the whole (world), in LL college, guild (as UNIVERSE) ]