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
The second phase will compare different combinations of drugs to evaluate what best prevents amyloid plaque accumulation and other biological and clinical markers of Alzheimer's.
—
Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 16 Nov. 2024
The plaques accompanying the statues also included some of the derogatory comments made in Trump's Access Hollywood tape.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, a condition that occurs when substances such as fat and cholesterol (plaque) build up in the walls of blood vessels.
—Amy Kwan, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 2024
There can also be a reduction of amyloid plaques, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for plaque 
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Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 16 Nov. 2024
The plaques accompanying the statues also included some of the derogatory comments made in Trump's Access Hollywood tape.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, a condition that occurs when substances such as fat and cholesterol (plaque) build up in the walls of blood vessels.
—Amy Kwan, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 2024
There can also be a reduction of amyloid plaques, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for plaque
Dictionary Entries Near plaque
Cite this Entry
“Plaque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plaque. Accessed 26 Nov. 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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