presidium

[pri-sid-ee-uhm]

noun

(often initial capital letter)

plural

presidiums, presidia 

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

Related Words

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