Etymology Map
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Rostrum

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a raised platform

Where does the word "rostrum" come from? It comes from Latin rostrum, adopted directly into English (1540s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
rostrum
Latin · ancient
"beak"
Roman speakers' platforms were decorated with the beaks of captured ships
2
Stage 2 of 2
rostrum
English · 1540s
"speaker's platform"
'rostra' in the Roman Forum were adorned with ship prows
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Read the full story

Rostrum’s story begins in Latin: rostrum meant “beak.” Roman speakers' platforms were decorated with the beaks of captured ships. It reached English by 1540s as rostrum. 'rostra' in the Roman Forum were adorned with ship prows. Today, rostrum means a raised platform.