Dictionary

observatory

noun ob·ser·va·to·ry \əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtr-ē\

: a special building for studying stars, planets, weather, etc. : a building from which scientists study and watch the sky

plural ob·ser·va·to·ries

Full Definition of OBSERVATORY

1
:  a building or place given over to or equipped for observation of natural phenomena (as in astronomy); also :  an institution whose primary purpose is making such observations
2
:  a situation or structure commanding a wide view
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Origin of OBSERVATORY

probably from New Latin observatorium, from Latin observare
First Known Use: 1676

Related to OBSERVATORY

OBSERVATORY Defined for Kids

observatory

noun ob·ser·va·to·ry \əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtr-ē\
plural ob·ser·va·to·ries

Definition of OBSERVATORY for Kids

:  a place that has instruments for making observations (as of the stars)

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Next Word in the Dictionary: observePrevious Word in the Dictionary: observatorialAll Words Near: observatory
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