Doctor, as a title, originates from the Latin word of the same spelling and meaning. The word is originally an
agentive noun of the Latin verb
docere 'to teach'. It has been used as an honored academic title for over a
millennium in Europe, where it dates back to the rise of the first
universities. This use spread to the
Americas, through its former European
colonies, and is now prevalent in most of the world. Contracted "Dr" or "Dr.", it is used as a designation for a person who has obtained a
Research Doctorate (i.e. Ph.D., Ed.D). In contrast, a degree such as
M.D. and
D.O. is a vocational degree, and thus not considered a doctorate.