| Athenaeum | /mhw>, n.; pl. E. Atheneums L. Athenæa [ L. Athenaeum, Gr. 'Aqhnai`on a temple of Minerva at Athens, fr. 'Aqhna^, contr. fr. 'Aqhna`a, 'Aqhnai`a, in Homer 'Aqh`nh, 'Aqhnai`n, Athene (called Minerva by the Romans), the tutelary goddess of Athens. ] 1. (Gr. Antiq.) A temple of Athene, at Athens, in which scholars and poets were accustomed to read their works and instruct students. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A school founded at Rome by Hadrian. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. A literary or scientific association or club. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. A building or an apartment where a library, periodicals, and newspapers are kept for use. [ 1913 Webster ] Variants: Atheneum |
