presidium

American  

[pri-sid-ee-uhm] / prɪˈsɪd i əm /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of presidium

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

Example Sentences

While Kim has remained at the top of North Korean leadership, the party congress's presidium - its executive committee - has been reshuffled since the last meeting in 2021.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

“He and I were accepted in the Kremlin by the chairman of the presidium of the Supreme Soviet. There were pictures on the front pages in all the newspapers.”

From Slate • Aug. 27, 2023

But Sheikh Fazle Fahim, a presidium member of the Awami League’s youth front Jubo League, said Bangladesh has been following democratic processes for more than 14 years.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 28, 2023

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

From New York Times • Apr. 2, 2023

The election of the presidium took place amid stir and moving about.

From Ten Days That Shook the World by Reed, John

Related Words

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