The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word ROSTRA
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
R
O
S
T
R
A
More clues leading to the result ROSTRA
- Counter or bar finally introduced into station platforms
- Selection of parts ordered up in stages
- Stages raised in part, so raised
- Flat out, with pet sadly carried off in stages
- Platforms centrally placed in Metro? Strange
- Front page skills rising in stages
- Cirro-strati partially forming platforms
- They support public speaking, dancing, or arts
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "platforms" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case platforms = rostra.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ROSTRA mean?
ROSTRA noun- A dais, pulpit, or similar platform for a speaker, conductor, or other performer.
- A platform for a film or television camera.
- The projecting prow of a rowed warship, such as a trireme.
- The beak.
- The beak-shaped projection on the head of insects such as weevils.
- The snout of a dolphin.
- The oral or nasal region of a human used for anatomical location (i.e. rostral)