I. pləˈtänik, plāˈ-, -nēk adjective
Etymology: Latin platonicus, from Greek platōnikos from Platōn Plato died 347 B.C. Greek philosopher + -ikos -ic
1. usually capitalized : of or relating to the philosopher Plato or Platonism ; specifically : being in accordance with or in the manner of Plato and his works
2.
a. often capitalized
(1) : constituting or relating to subsistent, transcendent, or eternal ideas (as Platonic forms)
platonic entities
(2) : constituted by such ideas or forms
a platonic heaven
b. sometimes capitalized
(1) : involving, founded on, or being in harmony with platonic love
a platonic relationship
(2) : experiencing or professing platonic love
c. sometimes capitalized : of a theoretical, nominal, or academic nature : devoid of substantiality
if the majority has only a platonic belief in it, the law will break down — Walter Lippmann
purely platonic protestations
II. noun
( -s )
1. usually capitalized , archaic : a follower of Plato : platonist
2. often capitalized : emotion or behavior of a platonic lover — usually used in plural