An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. Of or relating to a college, academy, school, or other educational institution, especially one for higher education.
   

2. Pertaining to areas of study that are not primarily vocational or applied, as the humanities or pure mathematics.
   

3. Theoretical or hypothetical; not practical, realistic, or directly useful (Dictionary.com).

See also: → academy; → -ic.