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| plaque [ plak ] (plural plaques) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. inscribed metal or stone: a small flat piece of metal, stone, or other hard material that has an inscription or decoration on it and is fixed to a wall or other surface, often to commemorate somebody or something
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2. deposit on surface of teeth: a film of saliva, mucus, bacteria, and food residues that builds up on the surface of teeth and can cause gum disease
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3. deposit on skin: a small flattened patch or deposit, e.g. on the skin in psoriasis or on the inner wall of an artery in atherosclerosis
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4. clear patch in culture: a clear patch in a bacterial or cell culture caused by a virus destroying the cells
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5. small pin or brooch: a small pin or brooch worn to show membership of or rank in an organization
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| [Mid-19th century. Via French< Dutch plak "tablet" < plakken "to stick" < Middle Dutch placken "flatten, patch"] |
