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plural Athenaeums or Athenaea
(Ancient Greece) A temple primarily dedicated to Athena or her Roman equivalent Minerva, especially that of Athens. quotations examples
The Athenaea were built in form of Amphitheatres.
1728, Ephraim Chambers, Cyclopaedia, s.v. "Athenaeum"
Alternative form of athenaeum: a literary or scientific club, especially that of Boston. quotations examples
“O Grandfather, tell us all about that Indian Bible!” exclaimed Laurence. “I have seen it in the library of the Athenaeum; and the tears came into my eyes to think that there were no Indians left to read it.”
1840, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Grandfather's Chair
Among the prominent buildings is the Athenaeum, containing a reading-room and library.
1893, Thomas Bailey Aldrich, An Old Town By The Sea
Alternative form of athenaeum: the reading room or library of such clubs, especially the London Athenaeum Club. examples
Alternative form of athenaeum: a literary or scientific periodical, especially the London Athenaeum. examples