conservatory Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the faculty and students of a school specializing in one of the fine arts
  2. noun a schoolhouse with special facilities for fine arts
    conservatoire.
  3. noun a greenhouse in which plants are arranged in a pleasing manner
    indoor garden; hothouse.

WordNet

Con*serv"a*to*ry adjective
Etymology
Cf. F. conservatoire, LL. conservatorius.
Definitions
  1. Having the quality of preserving from loss, decay, or injury.
Con*serv"a*to*ry noun
Etymology
Cf. F. conservatoire, LL. conservatorium.
Definitions
  1. That which preserves from injury. Obs. "A conservatory of life." Jer. Taylor.
  2. A place for preserving anything from loss, decay, waste, or injury; particulary, a greenhouse for preserving exotic or tender plants.
  3. A public place of instruction, designed to preserve and perfect the knowledge of some branch of science or art, esp. music.

Webster 1913