Definition of platen

• n. - The part of a printing press which presses the paper against the type and by which the impression is made.
• n. - Hence, an analogous part of a typewriter, on which the paper rests to receive an impression.
• n. - The movable table of a machine tool, as a planer, on which the work is fastened, and presented to the action of the tool; -- also called table.