# plaque

/ˈpɫæk/ (US) · /plˈæk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/plaque
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. commemorative sign

noun · CEFR B2

a flat piece of metal, stone, or wood with writing on it, usually fixed to a wall to remember a person or event.

For teachers: an ornamental or commemorative tablet, typically of metal or porcelain, fixed to a wall or surface to mark a historical site or honour an individual.

- The city put up a small brass plaque on the house where the famous poet once lived.
- A commemorative bronze plaque was unveiled at the site of the old library to honour the philanthropists who funded its original construction.

### 2. on teeth

noun · CEFR B2

a sticky substance that forms on your teeth if you do not brush them well.

For teachers: a biofilm of bacteria and food particles that accumulates on tooth surfaces, potentially leading to decay or gingivitis.

- Regular brushing and flossing help to remove plaque and keep your gums healthy.
- The dental hygienist explained that if plaque is not removed daily, it can mineralise into tartar, which requires professional cleaning to remove.

Usage: uncountable in this dental context

### 3. in arteries or brain

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a build-up of fatty or harmful material inside the body, such as in the heart's tubes or the brain.

For teachers: an abnormal accumulation of fatty deposits or proteins on an inner body surface, such as an arterial wall or within brain tissue.

- Eating too much fatty food can lead to the build-up of plaque in your arteries.
- The progression of Alzheimer's disease is often associated with the accumulation of amyloid plaques that disrupt communication between neurons in the brain.

Usage: can be countable or uncountable depending on the specific medical condition

### 4. casino chip

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a large, flat rectangular card used instead of money for betting in a casino.

For teachers: a high-value rectangular gaming token used in casinos, distinct from the standard circular chips used for smaller bets.

- The high roller pushed a stack of gold plaques toward the centre of the table.
- In high-stakes baccarat, players often use large rectangular plaques rather than standard circular chips to represent significant sums of money.

## Examples

- Brushing your teeth helps remove plaque.
- The city council installed a bronze plaque to mark the house where the famous poet once lived.
- If left untreated, dental plaque can mineralize into tartar, while arterial plaque buildup can lead to serious cardiovascular complications by narrowing the blood vessels.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.