Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Rostrum \Ros"trum\ (-tr[u^]m), n.; pl. L. {Rostra}, E.
   {Rostrums}. [L., beak, ship's beak, fr. rodere, rosum, to
   gnaw. See {Rodent}.]
   1. The beak or head of a ship.

Source : WordNet®

rostrum
     n 1: a platform raised above the surrounding level to give
          prominence to the person on it [syn: {dais}, {podium}, {pulpit},
           {ambo}, {stump}, {soapbox}]
     2: beaklike projection of the anterior part of the head of
        certain insects such as e.g. weevils [syn: {snout}]
     [also: {rostra} (pl)]