1
a
: an ornamental brooch
especially
: the badge of an honorary order
b
: a flat thin piece (as of metal) used for decoration
c
: a commemorative or identifying inscribed tablet
2
a
: a localized abnormal patch on a body part or surface
b
: a sticky usually colorless film on teeth that is formed by and harbors bacteria
c
: an atherosclerotic lesion
d
: a histopathologic lesion of brain tissue that is characteristic of Alzheimer's disease and consists of a dense proteinaceous core composed primarily of beta-amyloid that is often surrounded and infiltrated by a cluster of degenerating axons and dendrites
3
: a clear area in a bacterial culture produced by viral destruction of cells
Examples of plaque in a Sentence
A bronze plaque marked the city's oldest building.
They gave him a plaque in honor of his 30 years of service.
Brushing your teeth prevents the buildup of plaque.
The scientists are studying the way the plaques form.
Recent Examples on the Web
In a series of videos, the pair chat about their respective health journeys, managing symptoms, the connection between plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and the importance of self-advocacy.
—
Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 19 Feb. 2025
The 10-acre complex is such a landmark that visitors get their pictures taken in front of the plaque honoring Coleman in the main building.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2025
The team retired his No. 49 and dedicated a plaque to him in Monument Park.
—Brendan Kuty, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
An estate sale in this basement in 2023 was selling a trove of military papers, manuals, and plaques.
—Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plaque
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show current usage.
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Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 19 Feb. 2025
The 10-acre complex is such a landmark that visitors get their pictures taken in front of the plaque honoring Coleman in the main building.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2025
The team retired his No. 49 and dedicated a plaque to him in Monument Park.
—Brendan Kuty, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
An estate sale in this basement in 2023 was selling a trove of military papers, manuals, and plaques.
—Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plaque
Cite this Entry
“Plaque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plaque. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
plaque
noun1
: an ornamental pin
especially
: an honorary badge
2
: a flat thin piece (as of metal) used for decoration or inscribed as a memorial or marker
3
: a sticky usually colorless film on teeth that is formed by and contains bacteria
Medical Definition
plaque
noun
variants
also placque
1
a
: a localized abnormal patch on a body part or surface and especially on the skin
psoriatic plaque
b
: a sticky usually colorless film on teeth that is formed by and harbors bacteria
c
: an atherosclerotic lesion
d
: a histopathologic lesion of brain tissue that is characteristic of Alzheimer's disease and consists of a dense proteinaceous core composed primarily of beta-amyloid that is often surrounded and infiltrated by a cluster of degenerating axons and dendrites
called also senile plaque
2
: a visibly distinct and especially a clear or opaque area in a bacterial culture produced by damage to or destruction of cells by a virus
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