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

This inflammation causes the arteries and veins to constrict, creating a more narrow pathway for blood, clots and plaque. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 27 Sep. 2023

The one that McDaniel received in 1940 was not a statuette, but a plaque, as all supporting acting winners received from 1936 to 1942. —Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Sep. 2023

There are several theories as to what happened to McDaniel's plaque, which George Washington Law School Professor W. Burlette Carter previously outlined in a detailed paper on the subject. —Jen Juneau, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2023

Further evidence has come from investigating Neanderthals’ dental calculus—that is, from probing their plaque. —Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2023

In front, a historical plaque unveiled in 2019 solemnly marks the former Jan and Aagje Ton Farm, 557 E. 134th Place, as part of the National Park Service Network to Freedom program. —Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 10 Sep. 2023

Legends Walk inside the stadium also has plaques in recognition of the players. —Chantz Martin, Fox News, 9 Sep. 2023

Days after the groundbreaking ceremony, however, members of the state’s Executive Council spoke out against the plaque, arguing that New Hampshire shouldn’t be honoring communists. —John Garrison Marks, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Sep. 2023

One of the few things that survived the fire and smoke that caused at least 76 horrific deaths in a rundown apartment block in Johannesburg is a circular plaque hanging on the brown brick exterior. —Mogomotsi Magome and Gerald Imray, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Sep. 2023

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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

• anti-plaque

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