ACADEMIC

I. noun Date: 1587 a member of an institution of learning, a person who is ~ in background, outlook, or methods, ~ subjects , II. adjective also ~al Date: 1588 1. of, relating to, or associated with an academy or school especially of higher learning, of or relating to performance in ~ courses , very learned but inexperienced in practical matters , based on formal study especially at an institution of higher learning, of or relating to literary or artistic rather than technical or professional studies, 3. theoretical , speculative , having no practical or useful significance, conforming to the traditions or rules of a school (as of literature or art) or an official academy ; conventional , ~ally adverb