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

With coronary artery disease, plaque builds up and narrows the arteries, and in turn, interferes with blood flow to the heart, as the Mayo Clinic explains. — Korin Miller, SELF, "This Healthy, Experienced Runner Had a Heart Attack During the New York City Marathon," 10 Dec. 2018 Cappellini says the proteins in those men’s dental plaque reflect more of a predisposition toward good health than those of their neighbors. — Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, "Medieval dental plaque sheds light on how our microbiomes have changed," 25 Nov. 2018 James Bell received a plaque in recognition of his outstanding leadership. — Tracy Trobridge, Howard County Times, "Glenwood Lions Club recognizes police and fire heroes [Glenwood/Glenelg/Dayton]," 12 July 2018 The definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease requires that there be an overabundance in the brain of two proteins: beta amyloid plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles. — Denise C. Park, sandiegouniontribune.com, "5 myths about Alzheimer's disease," 18 June 2018 Her work on the preclinical phase over the last decade has led to a new biological definition of Alzheimer’s: one based on the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, as identified by PET scans and other biomarkers. — Joshua Kendall, BostonGlobe.com, "Can this doctor figure out how to stop Alzheimer’s before it starts?," 11 June 2018 Each month, a top salesperson is recognized in a storewide meeting, and is presented with a bonus, plaque and social media along with a parking spot. — azcentral, "Top Companies to Work for in Arizona 2018-Large Companies," 7 June 2018 Horses are also a common motif in decorative bone plaques and stone mace-heads from sites in the area. — Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, "Tracing how horse domestication turned the Eurasian Steppe into a highway," 11 May 2018 Firestone said all members who hit a hole-in-one receive a red jacket, a plaque and 25 drink tickets, among other things. — Jordan Guskey, Indianapolis Star, "Meridian Hills Country Club experiences four straight days of hole-in-ones," 8 May 2018

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

6 Jan 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