presidium

American  

[pri-sid-ee-uhm] / prɪˈsɪd i əm /

noun

(often initial capital letter)

presidiums, plural presidia plural

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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• presidia
  plural
• presidiums
  plural

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

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 presidium, together with the supervisory board of Hertha BSC e.V. decided unanimously to release its head of sport, Fredi Bobic, from his duties with immediate effect,” the club said in a statement.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 28, 2023

At last there was a little stir in the raised presidium, and the meeting began.

From Russia in 1919 by Ransome, Arthur

Related Words

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