athenæum

CIDE DICTIONARY

athenæum, n. [L. Athenaeum, Gr. 'Aqhn`aion a temple of Minerva at Athens, fr. 'Aqhna^, contr. fr. 'Aqhna`a, 'Aqhnai`a, in Homer 'Aqh`nh, 'Aqhnai`n, Athene (called Minerva by the Romans), the tutelary goddess of Athens.].

•  A temple of Athene, at Athens, in which scholars and poets were accustomed to read their works and instruct students.  [1913 Webster]
•  A school founded at Rome by Hadrian.  [1913 Webster]
•  A literary or scientific association or club.  [1913 Webster]
•  A building or an apartment where a library, periodicals, and newspapers are kept for use.  [1913 Webster]