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
Each of the cuffs has a small plaque noting each time Jelly Roll had been behind bars.
—
Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 4 Sep. 2024
These plaques can rupture, forming a blood clot that either partially or completely blocks blood flow to the heart.1
On the other hand, several conditions can lead to cardiac arrest.
—Angela Ryan Lee, Health, 4 Sep. 2024
In 2021, King Charles unveiled a plaque at the Barbour factory in England to celebrate the centenary of the company’s re-waxing service.
—Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 3 Sep. 2024
Outside, a plaque explained that a classified military program had begun here in April 1943, when MacArthur authorized the Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit to reassemble pieces of Japanese Zero fighter planes that had been shot down.
—Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for plaque 
Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 4 Sep. 2024
These plaques can rupture, forming a blood clot that either partially or completely blocks blood flow to the heart.1
On the other hand, several conditions can lead to cardiac arrest.
—Angela Ryan Lee, Health, 4 Sep. 2024
In 2021, King Charles unveiled a plaque at the Barbour factory in England to celebrate the centenary of the company’s re-waxing service.
—Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 3 Sep. 2024
Outside, a plaque explained that a classified military program had begun here in April 1943, when MacArthur authorized the Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit to reassemble pieces of Japanese Zero fighter planes that had been shot down.
—Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for plaque
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'plaque.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near plaque
Cite this Entry
“Plaque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plaque. Accessed 12 Sep. 2024.
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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