1. the flat metal plate in a printing press that presses the paper against the inked type
Usage: printing
2. the roller in a typewriter around which the paper is wound
Usage: typewriter

Examples

• The printer adjusted the platen to ensure even pressure across the page.
• She wound a fresh sheet of paper around the typewriter’s platen.
• The old printing press had a heavy iron platen that required considerable force to operate.
• When the platen became worn, the typewriter produced uneven letters.
• The mechanic replaced the rubber surface on the platen roller.
• Historical printing presses used wooden platens before metal ones became standard.