plaque

noun

ˈplak 

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

For example, the large American flag hanging in the store came directly from Bryan's house in Columbia, Tenn. There are also plaques scattered around the store with information about the brand's history, including the fact that Jockey invented the men's brief and introduced it to customers in 1934. —Hadley Hitson, The Tennessean, 17 Dec. 2024

Additionally, there are built-in tire protection pads, as well as a personalized plaque identifying the vehicle. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 16 Dec. 2024

With plaques highlighting significant locations, an online archive of photos and videos, and regular participation in outside events, the museum has the dual objective of supporting the community’s struggle for its land and keeping its memory alive. —Constance Malleret, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Dec. 2024

This rechargeable option has three different brushing settings (clean, white, and gum care) that use 62,000 brush movements per minute to intensively brush away plaque and cavity-causing bacteria. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, metal sheet, from plaquer to plate, from Middle Dutch placken to piece, patch; akin to Middle Dutch placke piece, Middle High German placke patch

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing plaque

• anti-plaque

Kids Definition

plaque

noun

ˈplak 

1

: 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

ˈplak 

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