professor
Definitions
A senior university teacher, the highest academic rank in many systems.
教授（大学最高学术职衔）
(US) Any university or college teacher.
（美）大学教师（泛称）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedpro- (publicly) + fess (declare, expound) + -or (one who) = one who publicly expounds. In medieval universities a professor was literally someone who professed — openly taught and declared — a branch of knowledge. The title kept that meaning.
Root fess still carries 23 more wordsUsage Guide
British vs American usage differs sharply: in the UK, 'professor' is the highest academic rank (most university teachers are lecturers or readers). In the US, 'professor' is used loosely for almost any college instructor, with ranks like assistant/associate/full professor. As a title it's capitalized: Professor Lee.
Example Sentences
- 1.
She was appointed professor of physics at the age of forty.
- 2.
Ask your professor if you can submit the essay late.
- 3.
He holds a chair as professor of medieval history.