platen

[ plat-n ]

noun

1. a flat plate in a printing press for pressing the paper against the inked type or plate to produce an impression.
2. a rotating cylinder used for the same purpose.
3. the roller of a typewriter.
4. (on a planing machine or the like) the bed to which the work is fastened.
5. (on a testing machine) a plate for applying compression to a sample.

platen

/ ˈplætən /

noun

1. a flat plate in a printing press that presses the paper against the type
2. the roller on a typewriter, against which the keys strike
3. the worktable of a machine tool, esp one that is slotted to enable T-bolts to be used

Word History and Origins

Origin of platen¹

1400–50; earlier platyne, late Middle English plateyne chalice cover < Middle French platine. See plate ¹, -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of platen¹

C15: from Old French platine, from plat flat; see plate

Example Sentences

Platen has been at Porsche for over 30 years and is currently on Porsche’s executive board as the sales and marketing executive.

From TechCrunch

Not to be checked by Platen's best diligence; not, in the end, by Platen and Dohna together.

From Project Gutenberg

The screw was then turned down until the platen pressed the paper against the inked type, and produced a printed sheet.

From Project Gutenberg

Platen is in great despondency, and says he never will be sanguine about anything again.

From Project Gutenberg

Platen, plat′en, n. the flat part of a printing-press which comes down upon the form, and by which the impression is made.

From Project Gutenberg

The idea of replacing the platen by a cylinder was not a new one.

From Project Gutenberg