This is the 518th most frequent Chinese word.
教授
"Professor."
In this sentence, "教授" is used as a noun to refer to a university-level professor.
这个教授正在进行一项研究。
The professor is conducting a research project.
Here, "教授" is a noun again, indicating an individual who teaches or researches at a higher education institution.
她希望将来能成为一名教授。
She hopes to become a professor in the future.
In this sentence, "教授" is used as a verb meaning 'to teach' or 'to instruct' someone.