First Known Use: 1549
Dictionary
academy
noun acad·e·my \ə-ˈka-də-mē\
: a school that provides training in special subjects or skills
: a private high school
: an organization of people who work to support art, science, or literature
plural acad·e·mies
Full Definition of ACADEMY
1
a : a school usually above the elementary level; especially : 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 academy in modern society>
2
capitalized 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
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Origin of ACADEMY
Latin academia, from Greek Akadēmeia, from Akadēmeia, gymnasium where Plato taught, from Akadēmos Attic mythological hero
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ACADEMY Defined for Kids
academy
noun acad·e·my \ə-ˈka-də-mē\
plural acad·e·mies
Definition of ACADEMY for Kids
1
: a private high school
2
: a high school or college where special subjects are taught <a military academy>
3
: an organization which supports art, science, or literature
Word History of ACADEMY
In ancient Greece, a philosopher named Plato started a school at a public exercise field. The field and nearby groves of trees were named for a hero of Greek legend. The English word academy came from the name of the hero for whom Plato's school was named.
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