athenaeum

ath·e·nae·um also ath·e·ne·um  (th-nm)

n.

1. An institution, such as a literary club or scientific academy, for the promotion of learning.

2. A place, such as a library, where printed materials are available for reading.

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[Late Latin Athnaeum, a Roman school, after Greek Athnaion, the temple of Athena, from Athna, Athena.]

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athenaeum US, atheneum [ˌæθɪˈniːəm]

n

1. (Social Science / Education) an institution for the promotion of learning

2. (Social Science / Education) a building containing a reading room or library, esp one used by such an institution

[from Late Latin, from Greek Athēnaion temple of Athene, frequented by poets and teachers]

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Athenaeum sometimes US, Atheneum [ˌæθɪˈniːəm]

n

1. (Historical Terms) (in ancient Greece) a building sacred to the goddess Athena, esp the Athenian temple that served as a gathering place for the learned

2. (Historical Terms) (Placenames / Named Buildings) (in imperial Rome) the academy of learning established near the Forum in about 135 ad by Hadrian

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	athenaeum - a literary or scientific association for the promotion of learning atheneum gild, guild, social club, society, club, lodge, order - a formal association of people with similar interests; "he joined a golf club"; "they formed a small lunch society"; "men from the fraternal order will staff the soup kitchen today"
	2.	athenaeum - a place where reading materials are available atheneum depository library, library - a depository built to contain books and other materials for reading and study