platform meaning

Noun: platform  platform

1. A raised horizontal surface
   "the speaker mounted the platform" 
2. A document stating the aims and principles of a political party
   "their candidate simply ignored the party platform"
   - political platform, political program, program 
3. The combination of a particular computer and a particular operating system 
4. Any military structure or vehicle bearing weapons
   - weapons platform 
5. A woman's shoe with a very high thick sole
   - chopine

Derived forms: platforms

Type of: ADP system, ADPS, automatic data processing system, computer system, computing system, construction, document, horizontal surface, level, papers, shoe, structure, written document

Encyclopedia: Platform

[Architecture]
1.

A raised floor or terrace, open or roofed.

2.

A stair landing; also See stair platform.

3.

A grillage.

[Business]
AmE / noun [C]

CROSS-PLATFORM

1

a basis on which sth can develop:

The deal will provide the company with a platform for long-term growth.

By encouraging investment, we will create a platform for future prosperity.

2 (IT )

the technical basis of a system, especially a computer or broadcasting system:

Versions of the software are available for Windows and Macintosh platforms.

The channels are broadcast across terrestrial, satellite, and cable TV platforms.

Electronic trading platforms allow much wider distribution of futures and options.

3

a raised structure standing in the sea, built by a company that is taking oil or gas from under the sea:

They deliver supplies to the offshore platforms of major oil companies.

[Oil and gas]
A fixed for floating offshore structure from which wells are drilled. Drilling platforms can become production platforms once the wells are producing oil.

[Computer]
Specific computer hardware, as in the phrase "platform-independent". It may also refer to a specific combination of hardware and operating system and/or compiler, as in "this program has been ported to several platforms". It is also used to refer to support software for a particular activity, as in "This program provides a platform for research into routing protocols".

• access platform:    [Architecture]Same ...
• airdrop platform:    [Defence] A base u ...
• bay platform:     noun  A ...

Examples

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1. now on the platform stood this shell of straw.
2. a radio was installed on the platform.
3. your train is waiting at platform 5.
4. he leaped on to the platform with a thump.
5. the lift has a cage with a platform.