athenaeum
|ath-ə-nee-um|
🇺🇸
/ˌæθəˈniːəm/
🇬🇧
/ˌæθɪˈniːəm/
places or publications for learning and literature
Etymology
'athenaeum' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'athenaeum', and ultimately from Greek 'Athēnaion' (ἀθηναῖον), where the element 'Athēn-' referred to 'Athena' (the goddess) or 'Athens'.
'athenaeum' entered English in the 17th century from Latin 'athenaeum' (used for institutions of learning) and was modeled on Greek 'Athēnaion'; later the name was adopted by various societies and periodicals (for example the 19th-century journal 'The Athenaeum').
Initially it meant 'a building or shrine in Athens associated with Athena' or more generally 'place of Athena'; over time it evolved to mean 'a place for literary and scientific discussion, a library or reading room' and later also the name of learned societies or journals.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a library, reading room, or institution for the promotion of literature, science, or the arts; often a facility for use by members of a learned society.
She consulted the rare pamphlet at the city athenaeum.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a learned society, club, or institution (or sometimes a periodical) named 'Athenaeum'—used as a proper name for such organizations or publications.
The local athenaeum hosted a lecture series on 19th-century literature.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/10 18:00