athenaeum

or ath·e·ne·um

[ ath-uh-nee-uhm, -ney- ]

noun

1. an institution for the promotion of literary or scientific learning.
2. a library or reading room.
3. (initial capital letter) a sanctuary of Athena at Athens, built by the Roman emperor Hadrian, and frequented by poets and scholars.

Athenaeum

¹

/ ˌæθɪˈniːəm /

noun

1. (in ancient Greece) a building sacred to the goddess Athena, esp the Athenian temple that served as a gathering place for the learned
2. (in imperial Rome) the academy of learning established near the Forum in about 135 ad by Hadrian

athenaeum

²

/ ˌæθɪˈniːəm /

noun

1. an institution for the promotion of learning
2. a building containing a reading room or library, esp one used by such an institution

Word History and Origins

Origin of athenaeum¹

1720–30; < Latin < Greek Athḗnaion temple of Athena, where poets read their works

Word History and Origins

Origin of athenaeum¹

C18: from Late Latin, from Greek Athēnaion temple of Athene, frequented by poets and teachers

Example Sentences

The "London Athenaeum" spoke of it as having been described as a "tomahawk sort of satire."

From Project Gutenberg

He said I ought to belong to the Athenaeum, and he would propose me, and the committee would elect me as a matter of course.

From Project Gutenberg

He used to make his way to the Athenaeum early in the day 264 and go straight to the library.

From Project Gutenberg

Edwin was the leading man at the Howard Athenaeum, playing stock pieces and supporting travelling stars.

From Project Gutenberg

There is the story of the man who gained admittance to the Athenaeum Library in Boston, although he was not a member.

From Project Gutenberg