Main Entry: ivory tower

Function: noun

Etymology: translation of French tour d'ivoire

Date: 1911

1 : an impractical often escapist attitude marked by aloof lack of concern with or interest in practical matters or urgent problems
2 : a secluded place that affords the means of treating practical issues with an impractical often escapist attitude; especially : a place of learning

— ivory–tower adjective

— ivo·ry–tow·er·ish \-ˈtau̇-(ə-)rish\ adjective