n. [capitalized] Originally, a public pleasure-ground of Athens, consecrated to Athene and other deities, containing a grove and gymnasium, where Plato and his followers held their philosophical conferences; hence, Plato and his followers collectively; the members of the school of Plato.n. A superior school or institution of learning.n. An association of adepts for the promotion of literature, science, or art, established sometimes by government, and sometimes by the voluntary union of private individuals.