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

Coronary heart disease occurs when a fatty substance called plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, restricting blood flow. —Lauryn Higgins, Health, 10 Apr. 2024

That plaque is made up of lots of bacteria, including Fusobacteria, which feed on sugars in the mouth. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2024

The health of teeth is directly associated with the plaque that covers it, and that plaque is often due to the overproduction of bacteria. —Michael Carroll, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

Those plaques build up and get inflamed over time, leading to heart attacks and strokes. —Sarah Klein, TIME, 1 Apr. 2024

No historical plaque marks the spot known as Platja des Franceses, or Frenchman's Beach, on the Spanish island of Mallorca. —Tony Perrottet, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Mar. 2024

The mural's plaque will include a scannable QR code that visitors can use to donate to the organization. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 20 Mar. 2024

But first, Gosling and Leitch introduced Holladay and presented him with a special plaque to commemorate the Guinness World Record. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 15 Mar. 2024

On the exterior of St. Paul’s there is a blue plaque issued by English Heritage. —Hugh Morris, New York Times, 29 Mar. 2024

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

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