Plat"form` (?), n. [Plat, a. + -form: cf. F. plateforme.] 1. A plat; a plan; a sketch; a model; a pattern. Used also figuratively. [Obs.] Bacon.

2. A place laid out after a model. [Obs.]

lf the platform just reflects the order.

3. Any flat or horizontal surface; especially, one that is raised above some particular level, as a framework of timber or boards horizontally joined so as to form a roof, or a raised floor, or portion of a floor; a landing; a dais; a stage, for speakers, performers, or workmen; a standing place.

4. A declaration of the principles upon which a person, a sect, or a party proposes to stand; a declared policy or system; as, the Saybrook platform; a political platform. "The platform of Geneva." Hooker.

5. (Naut.) A light deck, usually placed in a section of the hold or over the floor of the magazine. See Orlop.

Plat"form`, v. t. 1. To place on a platform. [R.]

2. To form a plan of; to model; to lay out. [Obs.]

Church discipline is platformed in the Bible.

• A raised stage from which speeches are made and songs are sung.
  
• A political stance on a broad set of issues, which are called planks.
  
• A raised structure from which passengers can enter or leave a train.
  
• (automobiles) A set of components shared by several vehicle models.
  
• (computing) A particular type of operating system or environment such as a database or other specific software, and / or a partular type of computer or microprocessor, used to describe a particular environment for running other software, or for defining a specific software or hardware environment for discussion purposes.
       That program runs on an X-Window-System platform.
       Typical PCs use the x86 platform.