observatory
[uh b-zur-vuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee]
- 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.
- an institution that controls or carries on the work of such a place.
- a place or structure that provides an extensive view; lookout.
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Origin of observatory
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for observatory
Contemporary Examples
Lenormand managed to jump publicly from an observatory and survive.
The instrument is attached to the Anglo-Australian Telescope at the Siding Spring Observatory, northwest of Sydney, Australia.
According to the Syrian Observatory the suicide bombing of the rebel checkpoint in Idlib province caused a massive explosion.
In all, the Observatory says it has documented 125,835 casualties since the start of the rebellion on March 18, 2011.
The Observatory believes a further 19,256 pro-regime militiamen have been killed.
Historical Examples
No doubt a wicked attempt to blow up the Observatory, they say.
The Secret AgentJoseph Conrad
You see, I have a few of those eggs myself, up at the observatory.
Spawn of the CometHarold Thompson Rich
She straightened, and grasping Sarka by the hand, hurried with him into the observatory.
As to the outer wall of the Observatory it did not show as much as the faintest crack.
Notes on My BooksJoseph Conrad
The year 1678 found him in the full tide of work in his observatory.
Great AstronomersR. S. Ball
observatory
- an institution or building specially designed and equipped for observing meteorological and astronomical phenomena
- any building or structure providing an extensive view of its surroundings
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for observatory
n.
"building for observing astronomical phenomena," 1670s (in reference to Greenwich), from French observatoire, from observer (v.); see observe.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper