Definitions for "PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE"
Literally, president "for a time"; elected from its membership by the Senate, he usually, but not necessarily, presides in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor.
official who leads the Senate's day-to-day operations.
A constitutionally recognized officer of the Senate who presides over the chamber in the absence of the Vice President. The President Pro Tempore (or, "president for a time") is elected by the Senate and is, by custom, the Senator of the majority party with the longest record of continuous service.