Athenaeum
Noun
- Used in the names of libraries or institutions for literary or scientific study.
- Used in the titles of periodicals concerned with literature, science, and art.
Example Sentences
“Lauren went to the athenaeum that housed the rare, specialized books she needed.”
“The literary society recently published the first edition of ‘Athenaeum.'”
“The Boston Athenaeum is one of the oldest independent libraries in the U.S.”
Word Origin
Greek, mid-18th century
Why this word?
“Athenaeum” is the Latinized form of the Greek “Athēnaion,” which was the temple of the goddess Athena in ancient Athens. In Rome, the Athenaeum was a school for the study of the arts. Today, the word is used for names of libraries and theaters, such as the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture in Chicago and the Athenaeum Foundation in Indianapolis. It’s also used for publications, such as West Virginia University’s “The Daily Athenaeum.” The Mexican Youth Athenaeum in Mexico City was a civil association founded in 1909 to highlight culture and art by organizing public meetings and debates. “Athenaeum” is used almost exclusively as a proper noun in the names or titles of things related to learning and the arts.
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