noun

1. 1. a public square or marketplace in a city or town
   2. an open area, usually paved, between a building and the street or another building, often having statues, shrubs, etc.
2. a complex of shops or buildings, esp. a shopping center
3. a service area along a superhighway, with a restaurant, gas station, etc.
   also service plaza

Etymology: Sp < L platea: see place