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
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
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.
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
First Known Use: 1845
PLAQUE Defined for English Language Learners
plaque
playDefinition of plaque for English Language Learners
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: 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)
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: a thin coating that forms on teeth and contains bacteria
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medical : a change in brain tissue that occurs in Alzheimer's disease
PLAQUE Defined for Kids
plaque
playDefinition 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
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
Learn More about plaque
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See words that rhyme with plaque Spanish Central: Translation of plaque Nglish: Translation of plaque for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of plaque for Arabic speakers
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