plaque
noun
\ ˈplak
\
\
Definition of plaque
1a
: 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
2a
: 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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
What’s more, archaeologists found a seating plaque honoring the head of the Tzedaka Gedola association, which managed the Great Synagogue between the end of the 18th century and 1931, reports Israel of the Jewish Press. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "Hebrew Inscription Emerges From Ruins of the Great Synagogue of Vilna," 24 July 2019 On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that the Sackler name has been taped over, a plaque acknowledging the family’s donations has been removed, and references to the Sackler Wing have been scrubbed from the Louvre’s website. — Kelsey Piper, Vox, "The Sacklers made billions off the opioid crisis. The Louvre is taking their name off its walls.," 17 July 2019 All of the brains had evidence of amyloid plaques and another Alzheimer’s hallmark, tau tangles. — NBC News, "Is targeting brain inflammation the key to beating Alzheimer's disease?," 12 July 2019 Once-promising treatments that targeted the removal of amyloid plaques, an accumulation of debris on brain tissue that is a key sign of Alzheimer’s, have consumed billions of dollars in vain. — Washington Post, The Denver Post, "Colorado Alzheimer’s researchers shift focus after failures; begin testing leukemia medicine as treatment," 6 July 2019 The awarding of plaques to Megan Connors of Scripps Ranch and Miles Cook of Rancho Bernardo as the Academic Athletes of the Year culminates the 34th year of the Union-Tribune All-Academic Team. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Area’s best of the best for grades and games," 13 June 2019 The role of brain inflammation in Alzheimer's recently has been getting closer attention among academics after the failure of multiple experimental drugs that targeted the buildup of plaques on brain tissue. — Author: Christopher Rowland, Anchorage Daily News, "Pfizer had clues its blockbuster drug could prevent Alzheimer’s. Why didn’t it tell the world?," 5 June 2019 In 2015, imaging tests revealed the presence of amyloid plaques, the sticky proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease that collect around brain cells and interfere with relaying messages. — Linda Marsa, Discover Magazine, "A New Treatment for Alzheimer's? It Starts With Lifestyle," 16 Nov. 2018 The display can be on anything the principal feels is appropriate for their school, like a plaque or student artwork. — Madeline Holcombe, CNN, "Public schools all over South Dakota are putting up mandated 'In God We Trust' signs," 26 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'plaque.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for plaque
plaque
noun
English Language Learners Definition of plaque
: a flat, thin piece of metal or wood with writing on it that is used especially as a reminder of something (such as a historic event or an achievement)
: a thin coating that forms on teeth and contains bacteria
medical
: a change in brain tissue that occurs in Alzheimer's disease
See the full definition for plaque in the English Language Learners Dictionary
plaque
noun
\ ˈplak
\
\
Kids Definition of plaque
1
: a flat thin piece (as of metal) with writing on it that serves as a memorial of something
2
: a sticky usually colorless thin film on the teeth that is formed by and contains bacteria
plaque
noun
variants:
also placque \ ˈplak
\
\
Medical Definition of plaque
1a
: 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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