[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

laboratory \lab"oratory\, n.; pl. laboratories. shortened
   fr. elaboratory; cf. of. elaboratoire, f. laboratoire. see
   elaborate, labor. formerly written also elaboratory.
   1. the workroom of a chemist; also, a place devoted to
      experiments in any branch of natural science; as, a
      chemical, physical, or biological laboratory. hence, by
      extension, a place where something is prepared, or some
      operation is performed; as, the liver is the laboratory of
      the bile.
      1913 webster

   2. hence: any place, activity or situation suggestive of a
      scientific laboratory1, especially in being conducive to
      learning new facts by experimentation or by systematic
      observation; as, the states serve as laboratories where
      different new policies may be tested prior to adoption
      throughout the country.
      pjc
see also:
laboratories elaborate labor. elaboratory 

Laboratories >> L Words
Laboratories, definition of term: Laboratories
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