Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Conservatory \Con*serv"a*to*ry\, a. [Cf. F. conservatoire, LL.
   conservatorius.]
   Having the quality of preserving from loss, decay, or injury.

Conservatory \Con*serv"a*to*ry\, n. [Cf. F. conservatoire, LL.
   conservatorium.]
   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.

Source : WordNet®

conservatory
     n 1: the faculty and students of a school specializing in one of
          the fine arts
     2: a schoolhouse with special facilities for fine arts [syn: {conservatoire}]
     3: a greenhouse in which plants are arranged in a pleasing
        manner [syn: {hothouse}, {indoor garden}]