athenaeum

noun

ath·​e·​nae·​um ˌa-thə-ˈnē-əm How to pronounce athenaeum (audio)
variants or atheneum
1
: a building or room in which books, periodicals, and newspapers are kept for use
2
: a literary or scientific association

Word History

Etymology

Latin Athenaeum, a school in ancient Rome for the study of arts, from Greek Athēnaion, a temple of Athena, from Athēnē

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of athenaeum was in 1799

Dictionary Entries Near athenaeum

Athena

athenaeum

Athens

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Cite this Entry

“Athenaeum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/athenaeum. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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