SINCE 1828
plaque
noun
\ ˈplak
\
\
Definition of plaque
1a
: 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
2a
: 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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Is a water flosser the best way to prevent grody plaque from building up between your teeth? — Korin Miller, SELF, "What Is a Water Flosser and Should You Be Using One?," 26 Feb. 2019 People need cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D and other substances, but trouble arises when the waxy matter builds up inside the walls of arteries, hardening into plaque that restricts the flow of blood and increases the risk of heart disease. — Jo Craven Mcginty, WSJ, "High Cholesterol? It Must Be January," 18 Jan. 2019 No park signs or brass plaques disturb the outdoor air of mysterious absence. — Tom Kizzia, Anchorage Daily News, "Amid the ruins of the Kennecott mine, a quiet new look at a unique slice of history," 26 June 2018 The elder Ellsworth brought in four species, confident his 50.5-inch light-phase rattlesnake had a good shot at winning two plaques for both days. — Jason Nark, Philly.com, "Venomous passion: Pennsylvania's snake hunters head to the hills," 20 June 2018 French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel hug after unveiling a plaque at Rethondes, or the Glade of the Armistice, in Compiegne, northern France, on Nov. 10. — WSJ, "Europe Marks 100th Anniversary of the End of World War I," 11 Nov. 2018 Harry was not scheduled to visit the market, and was instead unveiling a plaque at a forest site home to species such as the Fiji tree frog. — Kirsty Wigglesworth, The Seattle Times, "Meghan rushed through Fiji market filled with royal-watchers," 24 Oct. 2018 The Queen then unveiled a plaque at the site to mark the opening of the bridge. — Lauren Said-moorhouse, CNN, "Meghan Markle joins the Queen for joint royal outing," 14 June 2018 The first kiss between the two, which is portrayed in the film, has been marked with a historical plaque at the Baskin-Robbins ice cream parlor at the Dorchester and East 53rd Street intersection in Chicago. — Temi Adebowale, Harper's BAZAAR, "You Can Watch the Obamas on Netflix Right Now," 23 May 2018These 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.
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More Definitions for plaque
plaque
noun
English Language Learners Definition of plaque
: 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
See the full definition for plaque in the English Language Learners Dictionary
plaque
noun
\ ˈplak
\
\
Kids Definition of plaque
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
plaque
noun
variants:
also placque \ ˈplak
\
\
Medical Definition of plaque
1a
: 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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