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observatory - 4 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.
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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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Observatory

Ob*serv"a*to*ry\, n.; pl. Observatories. [Cf. F. observatoire.]

1. A place or building for making observations on the heavenly bodies.

The new observatory in Greenwich Park. --Evelyn.

2. A building fitted with instruments for making systematic observations of any particular class or series of natural phenomena.

3. A place, as an elevated chamber, from which a view may be observed or commanded.

4. (Mil.) A lookout on a flank of a battery whence an officer can note the range and effect of the fire. --Farrow.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : observatory
Spanish: observatorio,
German: das Observatorium,
Japanese: 観測所
More Translations »

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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