Rostrum /(-trŭm)/

Ros·trum

Rostrum

n.

pl. Rostra, Rostrums

  1. The beak or head of a ship.
  2. 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. (Rom. Antiq.)
  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.
  4. Any beaklike prolongation, esp. of the head of an animal, as the beak of birds. (Zool.)
  5. Same as Rostellum. (Bot.)
  6. The pipe to convey the distilling liquor into its receiver in the common alembic. (Old Chem.)
  7. A pair of forceps of various kinds, having a beaklike form. (Surg.) [Obs.]