Ath′e‐ne″um, Ath′e‐næ″um (�), n.; pl. E. Atheneums (�), L. Athenæa (�). [L. Athenaeum, Gr. Αθην̓́αιον a temple of Minerva at Athens, fr. Αθηνἀ̑, contr. fr. Αθηνἄα, Αθηναἴα, in Homer Αθἤνη, Αθηναἴν, 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.
2. A school founded at Rome by Hadrian.
3. A literary or scientific association or club.
4. A building or an apartment where a library, periodicals, and newspapers are kept for use.