Dictionary

Athenaeum en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /aθɪˈniːəm/ (UK)

Etymology

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

Meanings

1. (qualifier:Ancient Greece) A temple primarily dedicated to Athena or her Roman equivalent Minerva, especially that of Athens.
   • The Athenaea were built in form of Amphitheatres. 1728, Ephraim Chambers, Cyclopaedia, s.v. "Athenaeum"
2. (alt-of, alternative) Alternative form of athenaeum: a literary or scientific club, especially that of Boston.
   alt of athenaeum
   • “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.” 1840, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Grandfather's Chair:
   • Among the prominent buildings is the Athenaeum, containing a reading-room and library. 1893, Thomas Bailey Aldrich, An Old Town By The Sea:
3. (alt-of, alternative) Alternative form of athenaeum: the reading room or library of such clubs, especially the London Athenaeum Club.
   alt of athenaeum
4. (alt-of, alternative) Alternative form of athenaeum: a literary or scientific periodical, especially the London Athenaeum.
   alt of athenaeum

Forms

Translations (2)

pl Ateneum (temple) · pt ateneu (temple)