platen

[ plat-n ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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

platen

/ ˈplætən /

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

Origin of platen¹

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

Origin of platen¹

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

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

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

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

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

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

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