Rostrum
/ˈrɒs.trəm/noun
A platform for public speaking or a projecting beak-like part of an animal or object.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, a rostrum was originally the speaker’s platform in the Forum decorated with the bronze rams and prows of captured warships, so the word carries the memory of conquest as public voice.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₃reus-
“to poke out, project”
Latin
Latin
rōstrum
“beak; projecting beak-like point; ship’s prow”
Classical Latin
Latin
Rōstra
“the speaker’s platform in the Roman Forum, named for the captured ship prows mounted on it”
Late Latin
Latin
rōstrum
“a beak or projecting point; by extension, a public speaking platform”
Middle English
English
rostrum
“a raised platform for speaking or performing”
Modern English
English
rostrum
“a podium or speaking platform; also a beak-like projection”