plat|form

plat|form «PLAT frm», noun, adjective, verb.

–n.

1. a raised level surface or structure formed with planks, boards, or the like: »

The speakers stood above the crowd on a platform.

2. the walk between or beside the tracks of a railroad station.

3. U.S. the floor beyond the inside doors at either end of a railroad passenger car; vestibule.

4. a piece of raised flooring, in a hall or in the open air, from which a speaker addresses his audience.

5. Figurative. a plan of action or statement of the beliefs of a group: »

The platform of the new political party demands lower taxes. But it is, in a sense, ratified by this far-ranging message which is intended to be a platform for the campaign (Newsweek).

SYNONYM(S): policy, program.

6. Figurative. a draft or scheme of principles or doctrines, made by or on behalf of a religious party, church, or sect.

7. Figurative. a) a place of public expression or discussion; forum: »

The United Nations is meant to be…a platform for the weakest nation (New York Times).

b) a place of opportunity; springboard: »

West Point was there to give a man a platform from which to pursue advanced studies (Atlantic).

8. a) a slightly raised level area on which a piece of artillery is mounted in a fortification. b) a terrace; flat piece of ground: »

Grove nods at grove, each alley has a brother, And half the platform just reflects the other (Alexander Pope).

9. a) a thick outer sole on a woman's, or some men's, shoes. b) a shoe with such a sole; platform shoe.

10. Aerospace. a navigation system or radio-signal device to determine location.

11. Obsolete. a scheme; design.

–adj.

of or having to do with a platform used by public speakers: »

platform oratory.

–v.t.

to come to the platform, especially of a railroad station: »

This train does not platform all cars at the smaller rural stations.

╂[< Middle French plateforme, earlier platte fourme (literally) flat form]