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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Charles and Camilla were there to unveil a plaque and officially reopen the castle, which has been under construction since 2014, to visitors. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Prince Charles and Camilla Are Spending Their Wedding Anniversary in Northern Ireland," 9 Apr. 2019 But as those plaques and tangles spread throughout the brain and cause more damage, people develop other symptoms, like difficulty swallowing, repetitive movements, wandering, and hallucinations. — Sarah Jacoby, SELF, "How Exactly Do Different Kinds of Alzheimer’s Medications Work?," 6 Dec. 2018 Nearly one in every three American adults has high levels of LDL, the AHA says, which contributes to buildup of fatty plaque and narrowing of the arteries. — Betsy Mckay, WSJ, "New Guidelines for Treating High Cholesterol Take a Personal Approach," 10 Nov. 2018 Indiana Elvis fans started a committee that raised money for the $10,000 plaque and base. — Chicago Tribune, chicagotribune.com, "Plaque returning to final Elvis concert site in Indianapolis," 26 June 2018 Her niece, Nancy Janyszeski, was waiting in a reception line when something on the wall caught her eye: a plaque and a familiar name. — Tommy Rowan, Philly.com, "Plaque honoring 'Men who served in World War II' includes two women," 24 May 2018 The royal village church, with its plaques and monuments, is like the private chapel of ailing megalomaniacs: the shrine of a clique. — Moira Hodgson, WSJ, "‘The Quest for Queen Mary’ Review: Mum’s the Word," 10 Feb. 2019 Patricia glides past the benefactor wall (which listed her as a donor) and sits in a seat with her name inscribed on a plaque. — Luzanne Otte, Town & Country, "A Day in the Life of Southern Charm's Patricia Altschul," 12 July 2018 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

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.

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Last Updated

14 Apr 2019

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The first known use of plaque was in 1845

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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