ˈpōdēəm noun
( plural podiums -mz ; or po·dia -ēə)
Etymology: Latin — more at pew
1. : a low wall serving as a foundation, substructure, or terrace wall: as
a. : a dwarf wall around the arena of an ancient amphitheater serving as a base for the tiers of seats
b. : the masonry under the stylobate of a temple
2.
a. : a balcony in an ancient Roman theater containing seats for the emperor and other spectators of high rank
b. : a raised platform or pedestal : dais
the police direct traffic from round podia elevated six feet from the ground — Saturday Review
there is one conductor who practically has the downbeat ready as he steps onto the podium — Milton Cross
c. : lectern
pounding the podium and talking loudly — L.W.Youngdahl
3.
[New Latin, from Greek podion small foot — more at pew ]
: foot ; specifically : a tube foot of an echinoderm