Plaque Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

The Britannica Dictionary mobile search

• Home
• Ask the Editor
• Word of the Day
• Quizzes
• Core Vocabulary
• Browse the Dictionary

×

• Britannica Homepage
• Ask the Editor
• Word of the Day
• Quizzes
• Core Vocabulary
• Browse the Dictionary

The Britannica Dictionary plaque 1 ENTRIES FOUND:

• plaque (noun)

plaque /ˈplæk/ noun plural plaques plaque /ˈplæk/ noun plural plaques Britannica Dictionary definition of PLAQUE 1 [count] : 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 bronze plaque marked the city's oldest building.
• They gave him a plaque in honor of his 30 years of service.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 a [noncount] : a thin coating that forms on teeth and contains bacteria

• Brushing your teeth prevents the buildup of plaque.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples b [count] medical : a change in brain tissue that occurs in Alzheimer's disease

• The scientists are studying the way the plaques form.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples c [noncount] medical : a harmful material that can form in arteries and be a cause of heart disease ASK THE EDITOR

What are the plural forms of check-in, passerby, and spoonful? See the answer »

QUIZZES Vocabulary Quiz Test your word power Take the Quiz » Name That Thing Take our visual quiz Test Your Knowledge » WORD OF THE DAY

intimate : very personal or private Learn More »

1. About Us & Legal Info
2. Contact Us
3. Privacy Notice
4. Terms of Use
5. Pronunciation Symbols
6. Help

© 2025 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.