rostrum
English
Etymology
From Latin rōstrum, from rōdō (“gnaw”). The pulpit sense is a back-formation from the name of the Roman Rōstra, the platforms in the Forum where politicians made speeches. The Rōstra were decorated with (and named for) the beaks (prows) of ships from naval victories.
Pronunciation
Noun
rostrum (plural rostra or rostrums)
- A dais, pulpit, or similar platform for a speaker, conductor or other performer.
- A platform for a film or television camera.
- The projecting prow of a rowed warship, such as a trireme.
- (zoology) The beak shaped projection on the head of insects such as weevils.
- The snout of a dolphin
Derived terms
Translations
a dais, pulpit, or similar platform
a platform for a film or television camera
the projecting prow of a rowed warship
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the beak shaped projection on the head of insects such as weevils
the snout of a dolphin
Latin
Etymology
From rōdō (“gnaw”). Originally a bird's beak or animal's snout, but later extended to objects with a similar shape.
Noun
rōstrum (genitive rōstrī); n, second declension
- bill or beak of a bird
- snout or muzzle of an animal
- (nautical) prow of a ship
- a stage or platform for speaking in the forum
Inflection
| Number | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | rōstrum | rōstra |
| genitive | rōstrī | rōstrōrum |
| dative | rōstrō | rōstrīs |
| accusative | rōstrum | rōstra |
| ablative | rōstrō | rōstrīs |
| vocative | rōstrum | rōstra |