— platformless , adj.
/plat"fawrm/ , n.
1. a horizontal surface or structure with a horizontal surface raised above the level of the surrounding area.
2. a raised flooring or other horizontal surface, such as, in a hall or meeting place, a stage for use by public speakers, performers, etc.
3. the raised area between or alongside the tracks of a railroad station, from which the cars of the train are entered.
4. the open entrance area, or the vestibule, at the end of a railroad passenger car.
5. a landing in a flight of stairs.
6. a public statement of the principles, objectives, and policy of a political party, esp. as put forth by the representatives of the party in a convention to nominate candidates for an election: The platform contained the usual platitudes.
7. a body of principles on which a person or group takes a stand in appealing to the public; program: The Fabians developed an all-embracing platform promising utopia.
8. a set of principles; plan.
9. a place for public discussion; forum.
10. a decklike construction on which the drill rig of an offshore oil or gas well is erected.
11. Building Trades. a relatively flat member or construction for distributing weight, as a wall plate, grillage, etc.
12. Mil.
a. solid ground on which artillery pieces are mounted.
b. a metal stand or base attached to certain types of artillery pieces.
13. Naut. flat 1 (def. 44a).
14. a flat, elevated piece of ground.
15. Geol. a vast area of undisturbed sedimentary rocks that, together with a shield, constitutes a craton.
16. a thick insert of leather, cork, or other sturdy material between the uppers and the sole of a shoe, usually intended for stylish effect or to give added height.
17. platforms , platform shoes.
18. -
a. See hardware platform .
b. See software platform .
19. a scheme of religious principles or doctrines.
[ 1540-50; earlier platte forme 1 , FORM ]
Syn. 2. stage, dais, rostrum, pulpit.