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conservatory definition

con·serv·a·tory (kən sʉr′və tôr′ē)

adjective

Rare that preserves

Etymology: < ModL & It: ModL conservatorium, a greenhouse < ML, a preserver < LL, neut. of conservatorius, preserving < conservatus, pp. of conservare; It conservatorio, a refuge, academy, conservatory < conservare < L: see conserve

noun pl. conservatories -·ries

  1. a room enclosed in glass, for growing and showing plants; noncommercial greenhouse
  2. a school, or academy, of the fine arts, specif. of music

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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