Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Observatory"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
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.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
observatory
n 1: a building designed and equipped to observe astronomical
phenomena
2: a structure commanding a wide view of its surroundings [syn:
{lookout}, {observation tower}, {lookout station}]
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