weapons platform
2
5.9
- noun
- /ˈwɛpənz ˈplætfɔrm/
- Specialized
:
plataforma de armas
- And the U.S., once the missiles had been discovered, need not have hesitated to invade Cuba or to launch an air strike to destroy the missile sites, co-located air defense sites, and other nuclear-capable weapons platforms deployed in Cuba by Moscow.
Examples
-
South Africa has also developed an expertise in retrofitting old weapons platforms with new systems.
Academic text (1995) -
It is quite conceivable that the Chinese launched a weapons platform as part of one of their satellites.
Fiction book (1994) -
Both of these rationales deal specifically with national strategic considerations, but neither of them has anything to do with the militarization of space or the use of the Moon as an orbital weapons platform.
Blog text (9) -
It was hard for the Air Force to sell the B-2 as a conventional weapons platform—that is, until Elliott spoke up.
Fiction book (1991) -
The military deployed advanced weapons platforms to enhance their combat capabilities in the region.
-
Our new navy ships are equipped with state-of-the-art weapons platforms designed for aerial defense.
-
During the exercise, the soldiers trained to operate several different weapons platforms effectively.
Synonyms
34
7.8
A military vehicle or structure used to carry and launch weapons
2
7.2
A strong frame with wheels that holds a cannon for firing
1
8.0
A prepared place where a gun or cannon is set to fire
A protected platform that holds guns and can turn to aim at targets
How Capable
- Archaic
68
5.5
- Specialized
62
7.3
- Specialized
2
5.9
- Specialized
7
6.6
- Specialized
2
8.3
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound is compositionally built from 'weapon(s)' + 'platform' and literally means a platform used to carry, host, or deploy weapons; a learner who knows both words can infer a platform for weapons. Even when used in the cyber sense (software/infrastructure), this is a straightforward metaphorical extension of the literal idea and follows common cross-linguistic patterns, so it should be understandable to a B1 learner.
Etymology
Weapons platform comes from the simple image of a platform that holds weapons such as guns or missiles so they can be moved and used. So it means 'a structure or vehicle that carries or supports weapons'.