platen
Americannoun
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a flat plate in a printing press for pressing the paper against the inked type or plate to produce an impression.
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a rotating cylinder used for the same purpose.
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the roller of a typewriter.
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(on a planing machine or the like) the bed to which the work is fastened.
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(on a testing machine) a plate for applying compression to a sample.
noun
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a flat plate in a printing press that presses the paper against the type
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the roller on a typewriter, against which the keys strike
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the worktable of a machine tool, esp one that is slotted to enable T-bolts to be used
Etymology
Origin of platen
1400–50; earlier platyne, late Middle English plateyne chalice cover < Middle French platine. See plate 1, -ine 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The sound of the keys striking the platen provided a reliable rhythm in the chaos I inhabited.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 4, 2022
When columnists pulled their latest gems from their typewriters — accompanied by the screech of the platen and the cry of “Copy!” — they were done.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 6, 2022
But a glance at the pistons above made clear how much force that platen could exert on the paper and printing plate below.
From New York Times ● Dec. 5, 2013
The great platen, with its clawlike flanges, was suspended at rest.
From New York Times ● Dec. 5, 2013
The compressed heels are first secured together by tacking, and then placed on the platen; and the plunger, with its gang of awls, descends with great force.
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
