Athenaeum

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English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin Athenaeum, from Ancient Greek Ᾰ̓θήναιον (Athḗnaion), from Ἀθήνη (Athḗnē, “Athene”).

Pronunciation

Noun

Athenaeum (plural Athenaeums or Athenaea)

  1. (Ancient Greece) A temple primarily dedicated to Athena or her Roman equivalent Minerva, especially that of Athens.
    • 1728, Ephraim Chambers, Cyclopaedia, s.v. "Athenaeum":
      The Athenaea were built in form of Amphitheatres.
  2. Alternative form of athenaeum: a literary or scientific club, especially that of Boston.
    • 1840, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Grandfather's Chair‎:
      “O Grandfather, tell us all about that Indian Bible!” exclaimed Laurence. “I have seen it in the library of the Athenaeum; and the tears came into my eyes to think that there were no Indians left to read it.”
    • 1893, Thomas Bailey Aldrich, An Old Town By The Sea‎:
      Among the prominent buildings is the Athenaeum, containing a reading-room and library.
  3. Alternative form of athenaeum: the reading room or library of such clubs, especially the London Athenaeum Club.
  4. Alternative form of athenaeum: a literary or scientific periodical, especially the London Athenaeum.

Translations

References

  • "Athenaeum, n.", in the Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford: Oxford University Press.

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