rostrum

Pronunciation: /ˈrɒstrəm/

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Definition of rostrum

noun (plural rostra /-trə/ or rostrums)

1a raised platform on which a person stands to make a public speech, receive an award or medal, play music, or conduct an orchestra: speaker after speaker stepped up to the rostrum the winner’s rostrum the composer moved from keyboard to rostrum
a raised platform supporting a film or television camera: [as modifier]:a rostrum camera

2chiefly Zoology a beak-like projection, especially a stiff snout or anterior prolongation of the head in an insect, crustacean, or cetacean: these beetles are very easily recognized by the rostrum or beak

Derivatives

rostrate: rostrum (sense 2).

Origin:

mid 16th century: from Latin, literally 'beak' (from rodere 'gnaw'). The word was originally used (at first in the plural rostra) to denote part of the Forum in Rome, which was decorated with the beaks of captured galleys, and was used as a platform for public speakers

rostrum in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of rostrum in the US English dictionary

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rostrum

noun (plural rostra /-trə/ or rostrums)

Derivatives

rostrate

Origin:

rostrum in other Oxford dictionaries

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