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
Winners of the Scientific Awards receive an Academy plaque.
—
Pete Hammond, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025
Perhaps the ideas behind their pledge are not meant to be commemorated in iron after all, but have become as empty as the wall where that promised plaque was supposed to hang.
—CBS News, 26 Jan. 2025
Babe Ruth has a plaque in this place.
—Jayson Stark, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Willie Mays has a plaque in this place.
—Jayson Stark, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plaque
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Pete Hammond, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025
Perhaps the ideas behind their pledge are not meant to be commemorated in iron after all, but have become as empty as the wall where that promised plaque was supposed to hang.
—CBS News, 26 Jan. 2025
Babe Ruth has a plaque in this place.
—Jayson Stark, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Willie Mays has a plaque in this place.
—Jayson Stark, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 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 21 Apr. 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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