Definition of ROSTRUM

rostrum

Plural: rostra, rostrums

Noun

  • A platform for public speaking, or a beak-like projection.
  • a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it
  • beaklike projection of the anterior part of the head of certain insects such as e.g. weevils
  • 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.
  • The beak.
  • The beak-shaped projection on the head of insects such as weevils.
  • The snout of a dolphin.
  • The oral or nasal region of a human used for anatomical location (i.e. rostral).
  • Any beak-like extension.
  • The inner segment of the coronal lobes in asclepiads.

Examples

  • She stood at the ROSTRUM to deliver her Scrabble strategy lecture.

Origin / Etymology

Learned borrowing from Latin rōstrum (“beak, snout”), from rōd(ō) (“gnaw”) + -trum, from Proto-Indo-European *Hreh₃d- + *-trom. 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.

Scrabble Score: 9

rostrum: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
rostrum: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
rostrum: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 11

rostrum: valid Words With Friends Word