/ath'euh nee"euhm, -nay"-/ , n.
1. an institution for the promotion of literary or scientific learning.
2. a library or reading room.
3. ( cap. ) a sanctuary of Athena at Athens, built by the Roman emperor Hadrian, and frequented by poets and scholars.
Also, atheneum .
[ 1720-30; Athénaion temple of Athena, where poets read their works ]