Dictionary-Definition.com :: Rostrum definition

Definition of 'rostrum'

noun

A platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it [syn: dais, podium, pulpit, rostrum, ambo, stump, soapbox]

noun

Beaklike projection of the anterior part of the head of certain insects such as e.g. weevils [syn: snout, rostrum]

From: GCIDE

Rostrum \Ros"trum\ (-tr[u^]m), n.; pl. L. Rostra, E. Rostrums. [L., beak, ship's beak, fr. rodere, rosum, to gnaw. See Rodent.]
1. The beak or head of a ship. [1913 Webster]
2. pl. (Rostra) (Rom. Antiq.) 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. [1913 Webster]
3. Hence, a stage for public speaking; the pulpit or platform occupied by an orator or public speaker. [1913 Webster]
Myself will mount the rostrum in his favor. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
4. (Zool.) (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. [1913 Webster]
5. (Bot.) Same as Rostellum. [1913 Webster]
6. (Old Chem.) The pipe to convey the distilling liquor into its receiver in the common alembic. --Quincy. [1913 Webster]
7. (Surg.) A pair of forceps of various kinds, having a beaklike form. [Obs.] --Coxe. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Snout \Snout\ (snout), n. [OE. snoute, probably of Scand, or Low German origin; cf. LG. snute, D. snuit, G. schnauze, Sw. snut, snyte, Dan. snude, Icel. sn?ta to blow the nose; probably akin to E. snuff, v.t. Cf. Snite, Snot, Snuff.]
1. The long, projecting nose of a beast, as of swine. [1913 Webster]
2. The nose of a man; -- in contempt. --Hudibras. [1913 Webster]
3. The nozzle of a pipe, hose, etc. [1913 Webster]
4. (Zool.) (a) The anterior prolongation of the head of a gastropod; -- called also rostrum. (b) The anterior prolongation of the head of weevils and allied beetles. [1913 Webster]
Snout beetle (Zool.), any one of many species of beetles having an elongated snout and belonging to the tribe Rhynchophora; a weevil.
Snout moth (Zool.), any pyralid moth. See Pyralid. [1913 Webster]