/
ˈpəʊdɪəm/
n.
 (pl. podiums or podia  
/ˈpəʊdɪə/
)
  - a small platform on which a person may stand to be seen by an audience. 
▸N. Amer. a lectern.
 - a continuous projecting base or pedestal under a building. 
▸a raised platform surrounding the arena in an ancient amphitheatre.
 
Etymology
C18: via L. from Gk podion, dimin. of pous, pod- ‘foot’.