plaque

noun

Save Word

\ 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 His son, who has kept the plaque, can hardly speak of it without tears welling up. — Jerry Garrett, Car and Driver, "John Paul Jr., Auto-Racing Champion, Dies at 60," 31 Dec. 2020 Dental calculus is the hardened plaque that accumulates on teeth. — History & Culture, "Philistines had a taste for far-flung foods, fossilized tooth plaque reveals," 21 Dec. 2020 Her husband got a $20 plaque describing his Polish heritage, compared to a tablet computer last year. — Arkansas Online, "A pandemic Christmas: Services move online, people stay home," 25 Dec. 2020 As Zulu played his drum, two 11-year-olds, History Ecclesiastes and Jibril Abdullah, stepped forward to read the text from the plaque to the audience. — Katy Reckdahl, NOLA.com, "In Central City, new marker notes 1900 New Orleans 'mass lynching'," 19 Dec. 2020 Slap a government plaque on every single project federal climate investments help fund, and make sure there’s one prominently displayed in every county in the country. — Kate Aronoff, The New Republic, "The Climate Fight Needs Both Technocrats and Firebrands," 16 Dec. 2020 The sharp-looking head-up display could have come from Stark Industries, the fantastically crisp lighting and layout of the climate-control system deserves a museum plaque, the backlit switchgear feels substantial to the touch. — Jonathon Ramsey, Car and Driver, "Tested: 2021 Audi A4 45 Advances a Proven Formula," 14 Dec. 2020 The gum can help prevent cavities, reduce plaque and strengthen teeth. — Zoe Malin, NBC News, "New & Notable: Latest products from Hello Kitty, Olay and more," 7 Dec. 2020 Winners in the business category will also receive a plaque or certificate to display. — Don Stacom, courant.com, "Bristol nonprofit turns to online holiday contest to help raise funds," 5 Dec. 2020

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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about plaque

Dictionary Entries near plaque

Statistics for plaque

Last Updated

14 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Plaque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plaque. Accessed 24 Jan. 2021.

Keep scrolling for more

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