/ Dictionary / Index S Special Astrophysical Observatory: Meaning and Definition of Find definitions for: Spe'cial Astrophys'ical Observ"atory Pronunciation: [key] an astronomical observatory located on Mount Pastukhov near Cherkessk in the Caucasus, in the SW Russian Federation, having a 236-in. (6-m) reflecting telescope, the largest in the world. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease. special assessment special checking account Related Content Daily Word Quiz: perspicacious Analogy of the Day: Today’s Analogy Spelling Bee: Today’s Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language