1. plural of platen: flat metal plates in printing presses that press paper against inked type
Usage: printing
2. plural of platen: rubber rollers in typewriters that hold paper in place while typing
Usage: typewriter mechanics

Examples

• The old printing press needed new platens to produce clear impressions.
• She replaced the worn platens in the vintage typewriter.
• The printer checked that all platens were properly aligned.
• Without functioning platens, the typewriter couldn’t hold paper steady.
• The museum’s collection included several antique platens from different printing machines.
• He cleaned the platens carefully to remove years of accumulated ink.