plat·en (pl t n)n. 1. The roller in a typewriter that serves as the backing for the paper against which the type bars strike. 2. Computer Science The roller in a printer against which the print head strikes. 3. A flat plate or rolling cylinder in a printing press that positions the paper and holds it against the inked type. 4. The glass surface of a flatbed scanner. [Middle English plateine, paten, from Old French platine, metal plate, from plat, flat; see plate.] |
platen [ˈplætən]
n
1. (Communication Arts / Printing, Lithography & Bookbinding) a flat plate in a printing press that presses the paper against the type
2. (Communication Arts / Printing, Lithography & Bookbinding) the roller on a typewriter, against which the keys strike
3. (Engineering / Mechanical Engineering) the worktable of a machine tool, esp one that is slotted to enable T-bolts to be used
[from Old French platine, from plat flat; see plate]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  platen - work table of a machine tool table - a piece of furniture having a smooth flat top that is usually supported by one or more vertical legs; "it was a sturdy table" |
| 2. | platen - the flat plate of a printing press that presses the paper against the type plate - a sheet of metal or wood or glass or plastic | |
| 3. | platen - the roller on a typewriter against which the keys strike roller - a cylinder that revolves |
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