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

One factor that requires further research is how viruses might affect another culprit of Alzheimer’s, the accumulation of amyloid-beta proteins that form plaque in grey matter (a tissue making up the brain’s outer layer). —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2025

Original price: $99.99 The Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser includes pulse-modulation technology to remove plaque and enhance gum stimulation for adequate improved circulation. —Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025

Watch Trailer Winners of the Scientific and Engineering Awards (who will receive plaques) include: Jayson Dumenigo for Action Factory Hydrogels, allowing for safer and longer burns at higher temperatures with quick turnaround times for fire stunt performances. —Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2025

One 2024 study found that patients with detectable microplastics in their arterial plaque were 4.5 times more likely to experience heart attacks, strokes, or death within three years. —Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for plaque

• ack
• brack
• clack
• crack
• dak
• flack
• flak
• hack
• jack
• knack
• lac
• lack

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