Rostrum

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈrÉ’.strÉ™m/
• US IPA: /ˈrɑː.strÉ™m/

Origin

From Latin rōstrum (""), from rōdō ("gnaw"). The pulpit sense is a back-formation from the name of the Roman Rostra, the platforms in the where politicians made speeches. The Rōstra were decorated with (and named for) the beaks (prows) of ships from naval victories.

Full definition of rostrum

Noun

1. A dais, pulpit, or similar platform for a speaker, conductor or other performer.
2. A platform for a film or television camera.
3. The projecting prow of a rowed warship, such as a trireme.
4. (zoology) The beak
5. (zoology) The beak shaped projection on the head of insects such as weevils.
6. The snout of a dolphin

Derived terms

• rostral
• rostrally
• rostrate
• winners' rostrum