po·di·um (pō'dē-əm)
n., pl., -di·ums, or -di·a (-dē-ə).

1. An elevated platform, as for an orchestra conductor or public speaker.
2. A stand for holding the notes of a public speaker; a lectern.
3. Architecture.
   1. A low wall serving as a foundation.
   2. A wall circling the arena of an ancient amphitheater.
4. Biology. A structure resembling or functioning as a foot.

[Latin, from Greek podion, base, diminutive of pous, pod-, foot.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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