Main Entry: plat·form

Pronunciation: \ˈplat-ˌfȯrm\

Function: noun

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: Middle French plate-forme diagram, map, literally, flat form

Date: 1535

1 : plan, design
2 : a declaration of the principles on which a group of persons stands; especially : a declaration of principles and policies adopted by a political party or a candidate
3 a (1) : a usually raised horizontal flat surface; especially : a raised flooring (2) : a device or structure incorporating or providing a platform; especially : such a structure on legs used for offshore drilling (as for oil) b : a place or opportunity for public discussion
4 a : a usually thick layer (as of cork) between the inner sole and outer sole of a shoe b : a shoe having such a sole
5 a : a vehicle (as a satellite or aircraft) used for a particular purpose or to carry a usually specified kind of equipment b : operating system; also : the computer architecture and equipment using a particular operating system