ENGLISH
REFERENCE

conservatory

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //kənˈsɝvətɔɹi// UK //kənsˈɜːvətəɹˌi// con·ser·va·to·ry Archaic

n. a room with glass walls and a glass roof that is attached to a house. It is usually used for growing plants or as a bright place to sit and relax.

n. a glass-enclosed room attached to a house, typically used as a greenhouse or a sunroom. In American English, the term more frequently refers to a school of music or drama.


SIMPLE

We drink our morning coffee in the conservatory when it is sunny.

CONTEXTUAL

The homeowners added a large conservatory to the back of the house to showcase their collection of tropical ferns.

COMPLEX

Architectural trends in the late nineteenth century favoured the addition of a conservatory to provide a seamless transition between the formal living areas and the manicured gardens outside.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From conserve + -atory.

Etymology 2

Anglicized form of French conservatoire; ultimately equivalent to Etymology 1

Usage

In British English, it primarily refers to the glass structure; in American English, 'conservatorium' or 'conservatory' usually denotes a specialized arts college.

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