n.
Variant: also ac · a · dem · i · cal
Pronunciation: -mi-k ə l
Function: adjective
Date: 1588
1 a : of, relating to, or associated with an academy or school especially of higher learning b : of or relating to performance in academic courses < academic excellence> c : very learned but inexperienced in practical matters < academic thinkers> d : based on formal study especially at an institution of higher learning
2 : of or relating to literary or artistic rather than technical or professional studies
3 a : THEORETICAL , SPECULATIVE <an academic question> b : having no practical or useful significance
4 : conforming to the traditions or rules of a school (as of literature or art) or an official academy : CONVENTIONAL < academic painting>
– ac · a · dem · i · cal · ly \ -mi-k( ə -)l ē \ adverb