athenaeum

or ath·e·ne·um

[ ath-uh-nee-uh m, -ney- ]
/ ˌæθ əˈni əm, -ˈneɪ- /

noun

an institution for the promotion of literary or scientific learning.
a library or reading room.
(initial capital letter) a sanctuary of Athena at Athens, built by the Roman emperor Hadrian, and frequented by poets and scholars.

Origin of athenaeum

1720–30; < Latin < Greek Athḗnaion temple of Athena, where poets read their works

Example sentences from the Web for athenaeum

British Dictionary definitions for athenaeum (1 of 2)

athenaeum

US atheneum

/ (ˌæθɪˈniːəm) /

noun

an institution for the promotion of learning
a building containing a reading room or library, esp one used by such an institution

Word Origin for athenaeum

C18: from Late Latin, from Greek Athēnaion temple of Athene, frequented by poets and teachers

British Dictionary definitions for athenaeum (2 of 2)

Athenaeum

sometimes US Atheneum

/ (ˌæθɪˈniːəm) /

noun

(in ancient Greece) a building sacred to the goddess Athena, esp the Athenian temple that served as a gathering place for the learned
(in imperial Rome) the academy of learning established near the Forum in about 135 ad by Hadrian