WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Ob*serv"a*to*ry
Part of Speech : n.;
Etymology : [Cf. F. observatoire.]
Definition : 1. A place or building for making observations on the heavenly bodies. The new observatory in Greenwich Park. Evelyn.

2. A building fitted with instruments for making systematic observations of any particular class or series of natural phenomena.

3. A place, as an elevated chamber, from which a view may be observed or commanded.

4. (Mil.)

Defn: A lookout on a flank of a battery whence an officer can note the range and effect of the fire. Farrow.

pl. Observatories.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913