observatory
nounattested in dialogue
- Canada//əbˈzɝvətɔɹi//
- Australia//əbˈzɜːvət(ə)ɹi//
A place where stars, planets and other celestial bodies are observed, usually through a telescope; also place for observing meteorological or other natural phenomena.
noun
- 1
A place where stars, planets and other celestial bodies are observed, usually through a telescope; also place for observing meteorological or other natural phenomena.
The corporation of Harvard University have passed a vote closing the observatory in Cambridge to the public on Saturday evenings.
At the observatory on Mauna Kea on Hawaii, a young astronomer, Heidi Hammel, focuses a huge telescope on the remote planet.
- 2
A lookout (vantage point with a view of the surrounding area)
Etymology
Borrowed from French observatoire, equivalent to observe + -atory.
Forms
- plural
- observatories
observatory · A place where stars, planets and other celestial bodies are observed, usually through a telescope; also place for observing meteorological or other…
observe · To notice or view, especially carefully or with attention to…observed · Exceptionally celebrated on a date other than the usual date.observer · One who makes observations, monitors or takes notice.