[ivory tower] n [trans. of F tour d'ivoire] (1911) 1: an impractical often escapist attitude marked by aloof lack of concern with or interest in practical matters or urgent problems
2: a secluded place that affords the means of treating practical issues with an impractical often escapist attitude; esp: a place of learning -- ivory-tower adj -- ivo.ry-tow.er.ish adj