observatory

ob·ser·va·to·ry

noun \əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtȯr-ē\

plural ob·ser·va·to·ries

Definition of OBSERVATORY

1

: a building or place given over to or equipped for observation of natural phenomena (as in astronomy); also : an institution whose primary purpose is making such observations

2

: a situation or structure commanding a wide view

Examples of OBSERVATORY

1. <the observatory is located on a mountaintop>

Origin of OBSERVATORY

probably from New Latin observatorium, from Latin observare

First Known Use: 1676

Related to OBSERVATORY

Synonyms: lookout, outlook, overlook

Related Words: aerie, crow's nest, tower, watchtower; promontory

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Rhymes with OBSERVATORY

accusatory, admonitory, adulatory, a fortiori, aleatory, ambulatory, amendatory, applicatory, approbatory, celebratory, circulatory, combinatory, commendatory, compensatory, conciliatory, condemnatory, confirmatory, confiscatory, conservatory, consolatory, contributory, copulatory, cosignatory, declamatory, declaratory, dedicatory, defamatory, denigratory, depilatory, depository, derogatory, designatory, dispensatory, divinatory, escalatory, excitatory, exclamatory, exculpatory, excusatory, exhibitory, exhortatory, expiatory, expiratory, explanatory, explicatory, exploratory, expository, expurgatory, incubatory, indicatory, inflammatory, informatory, innovatory, inspiratory, inundatory, invitatory, judicatory, masticatory, masturbatory, memento mori, millefiori, obfuscatory, obligatory, performatory, persecutory, predicatory, premonitory, prohibitory, reformatory, regulatory, repository, retributory, revelatory, respiratory, salutatory, stipulatory, supplicatory, transmigratory, undulatory