observatory: Meaning and Definition of

ob•serv•a•to•ry

Pronunciation: (ub-zûr'vu-tôr"ē, -tōr"ē), [key]
— pl. -ries.
  1. a place or building equipped and used for making observations of astronomical, meteorological, or other natural phenomena, esp. a place equipped with a powerful telescope for observing the planets and stars.
  2. an institution that controls or carries on the work of such a place.
  3. a place or structure that provides an extensive view; lookout.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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