PODIUM

dais, podium, pulpit, rostrum, ambo, stump, soapbox

(noun) a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

podium (plural podiums or podia)

A platform on which to stand, as when conducting an orchestra or preaching at a pulpit.

(sometimes proscribed) A stand used to hold notes when speaking publicly.

(sports and other competitions) A steepled platform upon which the three competitors with the best results may stand when being handed their medals or prize.

(sports) A result amongst the best three at a competition.

A low wall, serving as a foundation, a substructure, or a terrace wall.

The dwarf wall surrounding the arena of an amphitheatre, from the top of which the seats began.

The masonry under the stylobate of a temple, sometimes a mere foundation, sometimes containing chambers.

(botany, anatomy) A foot or footstalk.

Usage notes

Some people object to the “stand for holding notes” sense on the grounds that because of its etymology, podium ought to refer to something that is stood upon (or that at least pertains to the feet in some way), and that lectern should instead be used, as it refers to “reading”. This use is however well established in US English and reported without comment in US dictionaries.

Synonyms

• (stand used to hold notes when speaking publicly): lectern

Verb

podium (third-person singular simple present podiums, present participle podiuming, simple past and past participle podiumed)

(sports, colloquial) To finish in the top three at an event or competition.

Source: Wiktionary

Po"di*um, n.; pl. Podia. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. Pew.]

1. (Arch.)

Definition: A low wall, serving as a foundation, a substructure, or a terrace wall. It is especially employed by archæologists in two senses: (a) The dwarf wall surrounding the arena of an amphitheater, from the top of which the seats began. (b) The masonry under the stylobate of a temple, sometimes a mere foundation, sometimes containing chambers. See Illust. of Column.

2. (Zoöl.)

Definition: The foot.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition