conservatory

[skinem]

con·ser·va·to·ry

Pronunciation: k&n-'s&r-v&-"tor-E
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ries
1 : a greenhouse for growing or displaying plants
2 [Italian conservatorio home for foundlings, music school, from Latin conservare] : a school specializing in one of the fine arts <a music conservatory>

Just became curious about this word as I spent some of this evening in a 9 acre conservatory with gorgeous plants...
Think it slightly odd that it originated as word for a home for foundlings, but also means a home for plants...orphaned out of their natural element?

[Slava]

And, how do we get from "home for foundlings" to the high-falutin' "home of the fine arts," especially music?