■ noun
1》 a raised level surface on which people or things can stand.
↘a raised structure along the side of a railway track where passengers get on and off trains.
↘a raised floor or stage used by public speakers or performers.
↘a raised structure standing in the sea from which oil or gas wells can be drilled.
2》 the declared policy of a political party or group.
↘an opportunity to voice one's views: a ~ for discussion.
3》 [usu. as modifier ] a very thick sole on a shoe: ~ shoes.
4》 Computing a standard for the hardware of a computer system, which determines the kinds of software it can run.
Origin
C16: from Fr. plateforme 'ground plan', lit. 'flat shape'.