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

Example Sentences

“We’re now writing a complaint to the presidium of the Supreme Court. From there we’re only one step away from the Constitutional Court,” he wrote.

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The next day, she became a member of United Russia’s presidium, the 35 people who manage the party.

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As a member of the presidium of party elders, Hu sat through the entirety of the opening ceremony and was expected to do the same on the final day.

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October 1988 - Gorbachev consolidates power by becoming chairman of presidium of the Supreme Soviet, the national legislature.

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Apart from the advisory team that serves an honorary role, there is also a 90-member presidium that Lee is consulting to draft his platform.

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Related Words

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