Ath`e*ne"um, Ath`e*nae"um (#), n.; pl. E. Atheneums (#), L. Athenaea (#). [L. Athenaemum, Gr. a temple of Minerva at Athens, fr. , contr. fr. , , in Homer , , Athene (called Minerva by the Romans), the tutelary goddess of Athens.]
1 Gr. Antiq.
A temple of Athene, at Athens, in which scholars and poets were accustomed to read their works and instruct students.
2.
A school founded at Rome by Hadrian.
3.
A literary or scientific association or club.
4.
A building or an apartment where a library, periodicals, and newspapers are kept for use.
© Webster 1913.