plaque

play

noun \ˈplak\

Definition of plaque

1a : an ornamental brooch; especially : the badge of an honorary orderb : a flat thin piece (as of metal) used for decorationc : a commemorative or identifying inscribed tablet
2a : a localized abnormal patch on a body part or surfaceb : a sticky usually colorless film on teeth that is formed by and harbors bacteriac : an atherosclerotic lesiond : 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

See plaque defined for English-language learners

See plaque defined for kids

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 of plaque from the Web

Plaques above the bar detailed how to dress footlongs in order to create an authentic dog from Chicago or New York and other famous combinations.

— jake fischer, SI.com, "'Eat because it's a window into a culture': 76ers chef's journey from Seoul to Seattle to the NBA", 29 June 2017
This plaque was created to commemorate the mezuzah project the congregation had in March and features the names of the donors who made the event possible.

— sergio carmona, Jewish Journal, "Pride Shabbat service celebrated by LGBT community", 22 June 2017
A mezuzah plaque was unveiled and the progress made by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community was celebrated during a recent Pride Shabbat service at Congregation Etz Chaim in Wilton Manors.

— sergio carmona, Jewish Journal, "Pride Shabbat service celebrated by LGBT community", 22 June 2017
The plaque will be on display at Globe Life Park on Aug. 11-12.

— stefan stevenson, star-telegram, "Summer of Pudge concludes with August jersey retirement", 13 June 2017
The significance of every site is etched on plaques and marketed as an attraction.

— brenna goth, azcentral, "Phoenix is the nation's 5th largest — but is it a 'real' city?", 11 June 2017
Now let’s swim ourselves/ up and down my streams/Touch and rub and warm and melt/the plaque that blocks my streams.

— ben huberman, Longreads, "Our Contemporary Notion of Self-Esteem Was Born — Surprise! — in 1980s California", 9 June 2017
Each year, the club's foundation honors volunteer of the year nominees with a luncheon and a plaque in recognition of their service to our community in many capacities.

— lorrie woycik, Post-Tribune, "Porter County's volunteers are inspiring", 2 June 2017
The lower stroke rate is roughly equivalent to what’s seen with using surgery to remove plaque.

— paul sisson, sandiegouniontribune.com, "New technique prevents strokes by reversing blood flow through brain", 2 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'plaque'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of plaque

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

NEW!

First Known Use: 1845

See Words from the same year

Other Dentistry Terms

bridge, crown, tush

PLAQUE Defined for English Language Learners

plaque

play

noun

Definition of plaque for English Language Learners

: a flat, thin piece of metal or wood with writing on it that is used especially as a reminder of something (such as a historic event or an achievement)
: a thin coating that forms on teeth and contains bacteria
medical : a change in brain tissue that occurs in Alzheimer's disease

PLAQUE Defined for Kids

plaque

play

noun \ˈplak\

Definition of plaque for Students

1 : a flat thin piece (as of metal) with writing on it that serves as a memorial of something
2 : a sticky usually colorless thin film on the teeth that is formed by and contains bacteria

Medical Dictionary

plaque

noun

variants: also

placque

\ˈplak\play

Medical Definition of plaque

1a: a localized abnormal patch on a body part or surface and especially on the skin psoriatic plaqueb: a sticky usually colorless film on teeth that is formed by and harbors bacteriac: an atherosclerotic lesiond: 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