I. ˌa-kə-ˈde-mik noun
Date: 1587
1. : a member of an institution of learning
2. : a person who is academic in background, outlook, or methods
3. plural : academic subjects
has no interest in academic s
II. adjective
also ac·a·dem·i·cal -mi-kəl
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-)lē adverb