Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary
ob·ser·va·to·ry
\\əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtȯr-ē\\ noun
(plural -ries) ETYMOLOGY probably from New Latin observatorium, from Latin observare
DATE 1676
1. a building or place given over to or equipped for observation of natural phenomena (as in astronomy); also : an institution whose primary purpose is making such observations2. a situation or structure commanding a wide view observatory
1670s (in ref. to Greenwich), from Fr. observatoire, from observer (v.), from O.Fr. (see observe).
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary-牛津双解-OALD7
observatory
ob·ser·va·tory / Eb5zE:vEtri; NAmE Eb5zE:rvEtC:ri / noun (pl. -ies)
a special building from which scientists watch the stars, the weather, etc.
天文台；天文观测站；气象台
Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged
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radio observatory
ob·serv·a·to·ryI. \ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌtōrē, -tȯr-, -ri\
noun
(
-es)
Etymology: probably from (assumed) New Latin
observatorium, from Latin
observatus (past participle of
observare to observe) +
-orium1. : a building or place given over to or equipped for observation of natural phenomena (as in astronomy, magnetism, meteorology, ornithology);
also : an institution whose primary purpose is making such observations
2. : a situation, position, or place (as a building or elevated chamber) affording or commanding a wide view
: lookout
II. adjectiveEtymology: Latin
observatus, past participle + English
-ory: relating to observation especially when scientific