Reading Theme:
Observatory: Definition, Examples, and Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：astronomical observation facility (observatory)
observatory
/əbˈzɜːrvəˌtɔːri/
n.
A special building with a dome and a big telescope, used for studying stars, planets, and other objects in space.
astronomical observation facility
➕
/ˌæstrəˈnɑmɪkəl ˌɑbzərˈveɪʃən fəˈsɪləti/
n.
A structure designed for observing celestial objects, typically equipped with a large telescope and a rotating dome.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'observare' (to watch) + '-ory' (place for).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'observe' + 'tory' as in 'territory' — a territory for observing the stars.
📖 Example
During our trip to the mountains, we visited a famous observatory and saw the rings of Saturn through its powerful telescope.
During our trip to the mountains, we visited a famous observatory and saw the rings of Saturn through its powerful telescope.
🔗 Collocations
build an observatory – construct a facility for astronomical observation
visit an observatory – go to see or use an astronomical facility
observatory dome – the rotating roof structure of an observatory
🔄 Synonyms
planetarium (n.) – A building where images of stars and planets are projected onto a domed ceiling for educational purposes.
astronomical station (n.) – A facility specifically equipped for scientific observation of celestial bodies.
telescope facility (n.) – A site housing one or more telescopes for astronomy research.
🌱 Derivatives
observational (adj.) – relating to the act of watching or monitoring
observer (n.) – a person who watches or studies something
observation (n.) – the act of watching or monitoring
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'observare' (to watch). The first modern observatory was built in 15th-century Samarkand by Ulugh Beg. Royal Greenwich Observatory founded in 1675.
Meaning 2：natural observation post (observatory)
observatory
/əbˈzɜːrvəˌtɔːri/
n.
A place or building set up to watch and study natural things like weather, volcanoes, or wildlife.
natural observation post
➕
/ˈnætʃərəl ˌɑbzərˈveɪʃən poʊst/
n.
A facility built to monitor and study natural phenomena such as weather, wildlife, or geological activity.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The bird-watching observatory by the lake is a perfect spot to see migrating geese in autumn.
The bird-watching observatory by the lake is a perfect spot to see migrating geese in autumn.
🔗 Collocations
bird observatory – a facility for monitoring bird populations and migration
weather observatory – a station that records meteorological data
set up an observatory – establish a monitoring station for scientific study
🔄 Synonyms
monitoring station (n.) – A place equipped to continuously track environmental conditions.
research center (n.) – A facility dedicated to scientific investigation in a particular field.
🌱 Derivatives
observational (adj.) – relating to the act of watching or monitoring
observer (n.) – a person who watches or studies something
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