Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - podium

 noun  (plural ~s or podia)  Etymology: Latin — more at pew  Date: 1743  1. a low wall serving as a foundation or terrace wall: as  a. one around the arena of an ancient amphitheater serving as a base for the tiers of seats  b. the masonry under the stylobate of a temple  2.  a. a dais especially for an orchestral conductor  b. lectern PODIUM  noun combining form  (plural -podia)  Etymology: New Latin, from Greek podion, diminutive of pod-, pous foot — more at foot foot ; part resembling a foot pseudopodium