phd modern dictionary

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abbreviation or noun

Definition of phd, examples of phd in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'PhD.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

New Latin philosophiae doctor

1839, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near PhD

Cite this entry.

“PhD.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/PhD. Accessed 18 Oct. 2024.

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Meaning of PhD in English

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• associate's degree
• baccalaureate
• do a degree
• Doctor of Medicine
• doctorate in something
• Master of Arts
• Master of Science
• Master's degree
• postgraduate
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education
• second degree
• summa cum laude

Ph.D. | American Dictionary

Translations of phd.

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Deep-fried food has been fried in a deep pan in which it is completely covered by oil.

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What does the noun PhD mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun PhD . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

How common is the noun PhD ?

Where does the noun PhD come from?

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun PhD is in the 1830s.

OED's earliest evidence for PhD is from 1839, in Journal of Royal Geographical Society .

PhD is formed from Latin Philosophiae Doctor .

Nearby entries

• phasitron, n. 1946–
• phasm, n. 1656–
• phasma, n. 1635–
• phasmid, n. 1864–
• phason, n. 1970–
• phasor, n. 1944–
• phassachate, n. 1634–1828
• phat, adj. 1963–
• phatagin, n. 1774–
• phatic, adj. 1923–
• PhD, n. 1839–
• pH-dependent, adj. 1949–
• Phe, n.¹ 1922–
• Phe, n.² 1945–
• pheal, n. 1879–95
• pheasant, n. c1299–
• pheasant cock, n. 1324–
• pheasant colour | pheasant color, n. 1588–
• pheasant-coloured | pheasant-colored, adj. 1864–
• pheasant coucal, n. 1801–
• pheasant cuckoo, n. 1827–

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Meaning & use

Entry history for phd, n..

Originally published as part of the entry for P, n.

P, n. was revised in December 2005.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1904)

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OED Second Edition (1989)

• View P in OED Second Edition

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Citation details

Factsheet for phd, n., browse entry.

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Definition of Ph.D. noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

• acquire/get/lack experience/training/(an) education
• receive/provide somebody with training
• develop/design/plan a curriculum/course/program/syllabus
• give/go to/attend a class/lesson/lecture/seminar
• hold/run/conduct a class/seminar/workshop
• moderate/lead/facilitate a discussion
• sign up for/take a course/classes/lessons
• go to/start preschool/kindergarten/nursery school
• be in the first, second, etc. grade (at school)
• study/take/drop history/chemistry/German, etc.
• finish/drop out of/quit school
• graduate from high school/college
• be the victim/target of bullying/teasing
• skip/cut/ ( informal ) ditch class/school
• cheat on an exam/a test
• get/be given a detention (for doing something)
• be expelled from/be suspended from school
• do your homework/a project on something
• work on/write/do/submit an essay/a dissertation/a thesis/an assignment/a paper
• finish/complete your dissertation/thesis/studies
• hand in/turn in your homework/essay/assignment/paper
• study/prepare/review/ ( informal ) cram for a test/an exam
• take/ ( formal ) sit for a test/an exam
• grade homework/a test
• do well on/ ( informal ) ace a test/an exam
• pass/fail/ ( informal ) flunk a test/an exam/a class/a course/a subject
• apply to/get into/go to/start college
• leave/graduate from college (with a degree in computer science)/law school
• study for/work towards a law degree/a degree in physics
• major/minor in biology/philosophy
• earn/receive/be awarded/get/have/hold a master's degree/a bachelor's degree/a Ph.D. in economics

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