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observatory

 - 3 dictionary results

ob⋅serv⋅a⋅to⋅ry

  [uhb-zur-vuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee]
Use observatory in a Sentence
–noun, plural -ries.
1. a place or building equipped and used for making observations of astronomical, meteorological, or other natural phenomena, esp. 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.
Origin:
1670–80; < L observā(re) to observe + -tory 2
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To observatory
ob·ser·va·to·ry   (əb-zûr'və-tôr'ē, -tōr'ē)   
n.   pl. ob·ser·va·to·ries

  1. A building, place, or institution designed and equipped for making observations of astronomical, meteorological, or other natural phenomena.

  2. A structure overlooking an extensive view.


[French observatoire (influenced by conservatory), from observer, to observe, from Old French; see observe.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

observatory 
1676 (in ref. to Greenwich), from Fr. observatoire, from observer (v.), from O.Fr. (see observe).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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