pre·sid·i·um 
(prĭ-sĭdē-əm)
(prĭ-sĭdē-əm)n. pl. pre·sid·i·a (-ē-ə) or pre·sid·i·ums
1. Any of various permanent executive committees in Communist countries having power to act for a larger governing body.
2. Presidium The executive committee of the Supreme Soviet headed by the president in the former Soviet Union.
[Russian prezidium, from Latin praesidium, garrison; see PRESIDIO.]