[acad.e.my] n, pl -mies [L academia, fr. Gk Akademeia, fr. Akademeia, gymnasium where Plato taught, fr. Akademos Attic mythological hero] (1549) 1 a: a school usu. above the elementary level; esp: a private high school b: a high school or college in which special subjects or skills are taught c: higher education--used with the "the functions of the ~ in modern society"
2. cap a: the school for advanced education founded by Plato b: the philosophical doctrines associated with Plato's Academy
3: a society of learned persons organized to advance art, science, or literature
4: a body of established opinion widely accepted as authoritative in a particular field