presidium

[ pri-sid-ee-uhm ]

noun

, (often initial capital letter)

, plural pre·sid·i·ums, pre·sid·i·a [pri-, sid, -ee-, uh].

1. (in the Soviet Union and other Communist countries) an administrative committee, usually permanent and governmental, acting when its parent body is in recess but exercising full powers:

   the presidium of the Supreme Soviet.

presidium

/ prɪˈsɪdɪəm /

noun

1. often capital (in Communist countries) a permanent committee of a larger body, such as a legislature, that acts for it when it is in recess
2. a collective presidency, esp of a nongovernmental organization

Word History and Origins

Origin of presidium¹

1815–25; < Latin prae-sidium, derivative of praes ( es ) (stem praesid- ) guardian, governor, literally, one sitting before. See preside, -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of presidium¹

C20: from Russian prezidium, from Latin praesidium, from praesidēre to superintend; see preside

Example Sentences

The deputy chairman of the presidium of the Donetsk Republic, Denis Pushilin, also predicts “good results.”

From The Daily Beast

During his absence, the outfit seems to have been run by a sort of presidium of the senior officers.

From Project Gutenberg

More importantly, the presidium assumed the powers and functions of the National Assembly when the latter was not in session.

From Project Gutenberg

The memophone began giving him the names of the Presidium and of the Chiefs of Managements.

From Project Gutenberg

In practice, the Assembly listens to the reading of bills drawn up by its Presidium and then votes unanimous approval.

From Project Gutenberg

The Presidium also designates ministry jurisdiction over various enterprises according to the recommendations of the premier.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• board
• bureau
• cabinet
• committee
• department
• executive
• legislature
• management
• ministry
• presidency