noun
( -s )
Etymology: from gerund of plate (II)
1. : the art or process or an instance of covering something with a plate or plates and especially with a superficial covering of metal
2. : the formation of something (as metal) into plates
3. : a surface made by plating: as
a. : a coating of metal plates ; especially : defensive armor of metal (as steel) plates
b. : a thin coating of metal laid on another metal especially for decorative effect
c. : the plates forming the hull, decks, and bulkheads of a ship — see ship illustration
d. : plaiting 3