observatory Definition
ob·serva·tory (əb zʉrv′ə tôr′ē)
noun pl. -·ries
- a building equipped for scientific observation, esp. such a building with a large telescope for astronomical research
- an institution for such research
- any building or place providing an extensive view of the surrounding terrain
Etymology: ModL observatorium < pp. of L observare: see observe
observatory Synonyms
observatory Usage Examples
Converse of object
- orbit: This detailed view of the horse's head is being released to celebrate the orbiting observatory 's eleventh anniversary.
- dedicate: Ultraviolet observatories Right now there are no dedicated ultraviolet observatories in orbit.
- cable: The first of these papers will be on opportunities which cabled observatories present for the use of AUVs.
- build: Lower capital cost when building the observatory - no need for living accommodation, etc for astronomers.
- construct: We have also constructed some totally automatic observatories measuring the weather and with the science to do with the aurora.
- establish: Scientists in France and Italy are establishing a three-kilometer observatory near Pisa, Italy.
Preposition: on
top: The brave can choose an observatory on the top of an extinct volcano.
Adjective modifier
- space-borne: Abstract LISA will be the first space-borne gravitational wave observatory.
- astronomical: Hunting for jobs at liberal arts colleges Quantum gravity faces reality Build astronomical observatories on the Moon?
- ground-based: Most of the data taken from the UK's ground-based observatories are held in storage at the IoA.
- space-based: The space-based observatory LISA is scheduled to launch in 2011.
- meteorological: The meteorological observatory, with its Stevenson Screen, is atop a small rise.
- infrared: Scientific Impact The JWST will be the world leading infrared observatory for the next decade.
Modifies a noun
building: The main observatory building houses three larger telescopes used for research projects.
Noun used with modifier
- seafloor: Bond finance - is unlikely to be used for a seafloor observatory network project given its small size.
- gamma-ray: From here ESA's gamma-ray observatory sends back to Earth new information about the most exciting phenomena in the universe.
- X-ray: Chandra is NASA's flagship X-ray observatory mission, successfully launched on July 23rd 1999.
- volcano: It is hoped that in future volcano observatories all over the world could use the technique.
- bird: These relate synoptic charts to actual arrivals of birds at bird observatories.
- radio: There are a number of radio observatories in space.
Browse dictionary entries near observatory
- ‹ observational
- ‹ observation post
- ‹ observation car
- ‹ observation
- ‹ observant
- ‹ observance
- ‹ observably
- ‹ observable
- ‹ obsequiously
- ‹ obsequious
- observe ›
- observed ›
- observer ›
- observing ›
- obsess ›
- obsessed ›
- obsession ›
- obsessive ›
- obsessive-compulsive ›
- obsessive compulsive disorder ›

