platform
plat·form / ˈplatfôrm/ • n. 1. a raised level surface on which people or things can stand: there are viewing platforms where visitors may gape at the chasm. ∎ a raised floor or stage used by public speakers or performers so that they can be seen by their audience: earning her living on the concert platform. ∎ a raised structure along the side of a railroad track where passengers get on and off trains at a station. ∎ a raised structure standing in the sea from which oil or gas wells can be drilled or regulated. ∎ a raised structure or orbiting satellite from which rockets or missiles may be launched. ∎ Comput. a standard for the hardware of a computer system, determining what kinds of software it can run.2. [usu. in sing.] the declared policy of a political party or group: seeking election on a platform of low taxes. ∎ an opportunity to voice one's views or initiate action: the forum will provide a platform for discussion of communication issues.3. (platforms) shoes with very thick soles: chunky platforms | [as adj.] yellow platform shoes.