Definitions for observatoryəbˈzɜr vəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i

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Random House Webster's College Dictionary

ob•serv•a•to•ryəbˈzɜr vəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i(n.)(pl.)-ries.

  1. a place used for making observations of astronomical or other natural phenomena, esp. a place equipped with a powerful telescope for observing the planets and stars.

    Category: Common Vocabulary

  2. a place or structure that provides an extensive view; lookout.

Origin of observatory:

1670–80

Princeton's WordNet

  1. observatory(noun)

    a building designed and equipped to observe astronomical phenomena

  2. lookout, observation tower, lookout station, observatory(noun)

    a structure commanding a wide view of its surroundings

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

  1. observatory(noun)əbˈzɜr vəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i

    a building from which scientists observe stars and planets

Wiktionary

  1. observatory(Noun)

    A place where stars, planets and other celestial bodies are observed, usually through a telescope.

  2. Origin: From the participle stem of observare .

Webster Dictionary

  1. Observatory(noun)

    a place or building for making observations on the heavenly bodies

  2. Observatory(noun)

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

  3. Observatory(noun)

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

  4. Observatory(noun)

    a lookout on a flank of a battery whence an officer can note the range and effect of the fire


Translations for observatory

Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary

observatory(noun)

a place for observing and studying the stars, weather etc.

Get even more translations for observatory »


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