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
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Clean your teeth and remove plaque in those hard to reach areas of your mouth with this Oral B electric toothbrush.
—
Lauryn Jiles, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025
Residents railed against the plaque during the public comment period, including Chris Kluwe, a former NFL punter for the Minnesota Vikings.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
Preventing plaque buildup is key to improving the health of your arteries.
—Jane Kim, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025
The drug was the latest in a series of medications designed to clear the brain of beta-amyloid, which forms the sticky plaques that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plaque
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Lauryn Jiles, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025
Residents railed against the plaque during the public comment period, including Chris Kluwe, a former NFL punter for the Minnesota Vikings.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
Preventing plaque buildup is key to improving the health of your arteries.
—Jane Kim, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025
The drug was the latest in a series of medications designed to clear the brain of beta-amyloid, which forms the sticky plaques that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 26 Feb. 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 9 Mar. 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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