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
Amyloid plaques and tau tangles disrupt communication between nerve cells.
—
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
For the new study, the researchers sampled plaque from six individuals with mostly unstained teeth.
—Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 19 Aug. 2025
Some studies suggest that matcha may benefit heart health by lowering LDL (bad cholesterol), reducing atherosclerosis (plaque formation), and reducing high blood pressure.3 This is partially due to its high antioxidant content.
—Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2025
Dan Orloff, founder and executive director of San Jose Rocks, said initial design work is completed on a bronze plaque to commemorate the historic event, which city officials agreed to earlier this year.
—Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plaque
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
For the new study, the researchers sampled plaque from six individuals with mostly unstained teeth.
—Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 19 Aug. 2025
Some studies suggest that matcha may benefit heart health by lowering LDL (bad cholesterol), reducing atherosclerosis (plaque formation), and reducing high blood pressure.3 This is partially due to its high antioxidant content.
—Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2025
Dan Orloff, founder and executive director of San Jose Rocks, said initial design work is completed on a bronze plaque to commemorate the historic event, which city officials agreed to earlier this year.
—Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plaque
Cite this Entry
“Plaque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plaque. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
plaque
noun1
: 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
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
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