ROSTRUM

snout, rostrum

(noun) beaklike projection of the anterior part of the head of certain insects such as e.g. weevils

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

rostrum (plural rostra or rostrums)

A dais, pulpit, or similar platform for a speaker, conductor, or other performer.

Synonyms: dais, pulpit

A platform for a film or television camera.

The projecting prow of a rowed warship, such as a trireme.

(zoology) The beak.

(zoology) The beak-shaped projection on the head of insects such as weevils.

(zoology) The snout of a dolphin.

(anatomy) The oral or nasal region of a human used for anatomical location (i.e. rostral)

Source: Wiktionary


Ros"trum, n.; pl. L. Rostra, E. Rostrums. Etym: [L., beak, ship's beak, fr. rodere, rosum, to gnaw. See Rodent.]

1. The beak or head of a ship.

2. pl. (Rostra) (Rom. Antiq.)

Definition: The Beaks; the stage or platform in the forum where orations, pleadings, funeral harangues, etc., were delivered; -- so called because after the Latin war, it was adorned with the beaks of captured vessels; later, applied also to other platforms erected in Rome for the use of public orators.

3. Hence, a stage for public speaking; the pulpit or platform occupied by an orator or public speaker. Myself will mount the rostrum in his favor. Addison.

4. (Zoöl.) (a) Any beaklike prolongation, esp. of the head of an animal, as the beak of birds. (b) The beak, or sucking mouth parts, of Hemiptera. (c) The snout of a gastropod mollusk. See Illust. of Littorina. (d) The anterior, often spinelike, prolongation of the carapace of a crustacean, as in the lobster and the prawn.

5. (Bot.)

Definition: Same as Rostellum.

6. (Old Chem.)

Definition: The pipe to convey the distilling liquor into its receiver in the common alembic. Quincy.

7. (Surg.)

Definition: A pair of forceps of various kinds, having a beaklike form. [Obs.] Coxe.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

4 April 2025

GUILLOTINE

(verb) kill by cutting the head off with a guillotine; “The French guillotined many Vietnamese while they occupied the country”


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Coffee Trivia

Espresso is both a coffee beverage and a brewing method that originated in Italy. When making an espresso, a small amount of nearly boiling water under pressure forces through finely-ground coffee beans. It has more caffeine per unit volume than most coffee beverages. Its smaller serving size will take three shots to equal a mug of standard brewed coffee.

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