Definition

1. Noun:
   • The roller on a typewriter against which the keys strike: A cylindrical part in a typewriter or printer that holds the paper in place and provides a surface for the type or print head to strike against.
   • The flat plate of a printing press that presses the paper against the type: In traditional printing, a flat, hard surface that applies pressure to force the paper against the inked type to create an impression.
   • Work table of a machine tool: A flat, rigid table or bed on a machine tool, such as a drill press or milling machine, which holds the workpiece securely.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The old typewriter's platen had become hard and cracked, making the typing uneven.
  • The printer adjusted the pressure of the platen to ensure a clear impression on the thick paper.
  • The machinist secured the metal block to the platen of the milling machine before beginning the operation.

Advanced Usage

• "To advance the platen": To turn the roller on a typewriter to move the paper to a new line.
  • After finishing a line, she would advance the platen to start the next one.

Variants and Related Words

• Platenless (adj): Describing a modern printer or device that operates without a traditional platen.
  • Inkjet printers are typically platenless, using other mechanisms to feed paper.

Synonyms

• Roller (for the typewriter context).
• Impression cylinder (in printing contexts).
• Bed or table (in machine tool contexts).

Related Phrases

• Platen press: A specific style of printing press that uses a flat platen.
  • The small workshop used a platen press for creating wedding invitations.

Noun

1. the roller on a typewriter against which the keys strike
2. the flat plate of a printing press that presses the paper against the type
3. work table of a machine tool