The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Podium \Po"di*um\, n.; pl. Podia. [L., fr. Gr. ?, dim. of ?,
?, foot. See Pew.]
1. (Arch.) A low wall, serving as a foundation, a
substructure, or a terrace wall. It is especially employed
by arch[ae]ologists in two senses:
(a) The dwarf wall surrounding the arena of an
amphitheater, from the top of which the seats began.
(b) The masonry under the stylobate of a temple, sometimes
a mere foundation, sometimes containing chambers. See
Illust. of Column.
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2. (Zool.) The foot.
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