Also -eum. Mod. pl. -æums. [a. L. Athenæum, a. Gr. Ἀθηναῖον, (the temple) of Ἀθήνη, goddess of wisdom, Minerva.]
1. Gr. Antiq. The temple of Athene in ancient Athens, in which professors taught their students, and orators and poets rehearsed their compositions. (Similar institutions, with the same name, were afterwards established at Rome and Lyons.)
1727–51. Chambers, Cycl., s.v., The Athenæa were built in the form of amphitheatres.
2. In modern times often used as a title for:
a. An association of persons interested in scientific and literary pursuits, meeting for the purpose of mutual improvement; a literary or scientific club.
1864. in Webster.
b. A building or institution in which books, periodicals and newspapers are provided for use; a literary club-room, reading-room, library.
1805. Lancaster Gaz., 9 Feb., 1/3. Printed particulars may be had at … the Athenæum and Lyceum, Liverpool.
1822. J. Flint, Lett. Amer., 112. The Athenæum, or reading-room, is much frequented.
Mod. The Manchester Athenæum.
c. A periodical devoted to the interests of literature, science and art, e.g., The Athenæum, published in London.
