observatory

American  

[uhb-zur-vuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / əbˈzɜr vəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

noun

plural

observatories

1. a place or building equipped and used for making observations of astronomical, meteorological, or other natural phenomena, especially a place equipped with a powerful telescope for observing the planets and stars.

2. an institution that controls or carries on the work of such a place.

3. a place or structure that provides an extensive view; lookout.

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observatory British  

/ -trɪ, əbˈzɜːvətərɪ /

noun

1. an institution or building specially designed and equipped for observing meteorological and astronomical phenomena

2. any building or structure providing an extensive view of its surroundings

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Etymology

Origin of observatory

1670–80; < Latin observā ( re ) to observe + -tory ²

Example Sentences

A trio of donkeys traverses a desert to an observatory.

From Los Angeles Times

Your chaser is Alison McAlpine’s appealing, aptly titled “Perfectly a Strangeness,” sans humans, but starring three donkeys in an unnamed desert happening upon a cluster of hilltop observatories.

From Los Angeles Times

Using newly released data from major dark energy observatories, he concludes that the cosmos will continue expanding for roughly another 11 billion years before reaching its largest size.

From Science Daily

By using the wealth of skills and expertise gathered at the different volcano observatories, teams of experts work together to keep watch and send warning when a dormant volcano is about to become active.

From Literature

The forecaster said it used data from solar monitoring satellites, ground-based observatories and international partners to "build a detailed picture of solar and geophysical conditions".

From BBC