Origin: Latin suffix -ate
Doctorate has 3 different meanings across 1 category:
one of the highest earned academic degrees conferred by a university
"She finally received her doctorate after years of dedicated research and writing her dissertation."
The highest degree awarded by a university faculty.
"After years of research and rigorous coursework, she finally earned her doctorate in molecular biology from Harvard University."
To make (someone) into a doctor.
"After years of research and rigorous exams, Professor Smith finally earned his doctorate in astrophysics."