Pronunciation: ˌ pr ō -f ə - ' so ̇ r- ē - ə t, ˌ prä-, - ē - ˌ at
Variant: or pro · fes · so · ri · ate \ - ə t, - ˌ ā t \
Function: noun
Etymology: modification of French professorat, from professeur professor, from Latin professor, from profit ē ri
Date: 1858
1 : the body of college and university teachers at an institution or in society
2 : the office, duties, or position of a professor