An institution for very advanced instruction; an establishment of higher education, a university. Frequently figurative or in figurative contexts. Obs…

U.S. A university or college of higher education. Frequently in prepositional phrases without article, as at school, to school, etc.

Used allusively as the proper name of certain places of study or instruction. In Italy and Switzerland, the Latin title of certain universities or…

a school, college, etc., esp. one which places emphasis on vocational training or which overemphasizes factual knowledge.