doctorate

n. highest degree awarded by a graduate school (such as a Ph.D., Ed.D., etc.); doctor's degree, degree given to a graduate of a medical or dental school

A doctorate is an academic degree of, in many countries, the highest level, second only to the habilitation in those (primarily Central and Eastern European) countries that grant the latter. The term doctorate comes from the Latin doctor, meaning "teacher." It originated in Medieval Europe as a license to teach at a university. In this sense doctoral training was a form of apprenticeship to a guild. The traditional term of study before new teachers were admitted to the guild of "Masters of Arts", seven years, was the same as the term of apprenticeship for other occupations. Originally the terms "master" and "doctor" were synonymous, but over time the doctorate came to be regarded as a higher qualification than the master's degree.
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Noun
1. one of the highest academic degrees conferred by a university
(synonym) doctor's degree
(hypernym) academic degree, degree
(hyponym) Doctor of Dental Medicine, DMD

v. be awarded a doctorate degree

v. get a doctorate degree

(v. t.)
To make (one) a doctor.
  

(n.)
The degree, title, or rank, of a doctor.