from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Atheneum \Ath`e*ne"um\, Athenaeum \Ath`e*n[ae]"um\, n.; pl. E.
{Atheneums}, L. {Athen[ae]a}. [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.]
1. (Gr. Antiq.) A temple of Athene, at Athens, in which
scholars and poets were accustomed to read their works and
instruct students.
[1913 Webster]
2. A school founded at Rome by Hadrian.
[1913 Webster]
3. A literary or scientific association or club.
[1913 Webster]
4. A building or an apartment where a library, periodicals,
and newspapers are kept for use.
[1913 Webster]