center plate

noun

, Railroads.

1. one of a pair of plates that fit together and support the body of a car on a truck, while allowing the truck to rotate with respect to the body. One plate body center plate is attached to the underside of the car body and the other truck center plate is part of the car truck.

Word History and Origins

Origin of center plate¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

From this pattern, reproduced in iron for the sake of permanence, is cast the flat center plate you see.

From Project Gutenberg

Below shield, bottom center (center plate):Honor Virtutis Premium.

From Project Gutenberg