plaque

noun

ˈplak How to pronounce plaque (audio)
Synonyms of plaquenext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Calcium score testing measures the amount of calcific plaque in the arteries around the heart, also called the coronary arteries. — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 10 July 2026 Hutt said the plaque celebrates Saba’s contributions toward its surrounding community. — Melody Xu, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 But while sitting with the legendary duo in New York City, the conversation quickly moved beyond plaques, charts, and Hall of Fame recognition. — Datwon Thomas, VIBE.com, 9 July 2026 Organ damage or arterial plaque can be well underway before a diagnostic test ever flags it. — Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for plaque

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of plaque was in 1845

Phrases Containing plaque

Rhymes for plaque

See All Rhymes for plaque

Browse Nearby Words

plappart
plaque
plaquette
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plaque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plaque. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

plaque

noun
ˈplak How to pronounce plaque (audio)
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 How to pronounce plaque (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on plaque

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for plaque

Nglish: Translation of plaque for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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