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Definition of plaque

plaque

/plæk/
plaque

Plural:plaques
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plaque Lexical Profile

plaque Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An ornamental or commemorative tablet, typically made of metal, stone, or wood, fixed to a wall or surface to honor a person, event, or historical site.

Example

"The historical society unveiled a bronze plaque on the building to commemorate where the famous author once lived."


2

A sticky, colorless film of bacteria and sugars that constantly forms on teeth and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Example

"Regular brushing and daily flossing are essential to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar."


3

An abnormal buildup of fatty deposits, cholesterol, or other substances on the inner lining of an artery or on other biological surfaces.

Example

"A diet high in saturated fats can contribute to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for plaque

• Rhymes for plaque

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from French 'plaque' (a thin plate or patch), which derives from Middle Dutch 'placken', meaning 'to patch' or 'to plaster'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Plaque. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 18, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/plaque
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