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Webster 1913 Edition
Athenaeum
Athˊe-ne′um
,Athˊe-næ′um
Noun.
pl. E.
Atheneums
, L. Athenæa
. [L.
Athenaeum
, Gr. Ἀθηναίον
a temple of Minerva at Athens, fr. Ἀθηνᾶ
, contr. fr. Ἀθηνάα
, Ἀθηναία
, in Homer Ἀθήνη
, Ἀθηναίν
, Athene (called Minerva by the Romans), the tutelary goddess of Athens.] 1.
(Gr. Antiq.)
A temple of Athene, at Athens, in which scholars and poets were accustomed to read their works and instruct students.
2.
A school founded at Rome by Hadrian.
3.
A literary or scientific association or club.
4.
A building or an apartment where a library, periodicals, and newspapers are kept for use.