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

Sears explained that observatories around the world are analyzing data from the event.

From Science Daily

Arctic sea ice reached its lowest level ever recorded, statistically tying last year's record, a leading US climate observatory for this geopolitically significant region said on Thursday.

From Barron's

The object was later studied in greater detail using some of the world's most powerful observatories, including the Keck Telescopes in Hawaii, the Hubble Space Telescope, and the James Webb Space Telescope.

From Science Daily

The James Webb Space Telescope is the most advanced space observatory ever built for studying the universe.

From Science Daily

The research team tested the method for ten years at a volcanological observatory on the island of La Réunion.

From Science Daily