Ath`e*ne"um, Ath`e*nae"um (#), n.; pl. E. Atheneums (#), L. Athenaea (#). [L. Athenaemum, Gr. a temple of Minerva at Athens, fr. , contr. fr. , , in Homer , , 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.

2.

A school founded at Rome by Hadrian.

3.

A literary or scientific association or club.

4.

A building or an apartment where a library, periodicals, and newspapers are kept for use.

 

© Webster 1913.