'Laboratories' definitions:

Definition of 'Laboratories'

From: GCIDE
  • Laboratory \Lab"o*ra*to*ry\, 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 laboratory[1], 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]