DictionaryplaqueAbnormal tissue patch
noun

plaque

A raised or discolored patch on skin or other tissue.

The clinician records a raised plaque on the skin.

Etymology

The source word means a plate or patch. Medicine uses it for a localized area of tissue visibly different from its surroundings.

More examples

  • Several plaques appeared on the elbow.
  • The photograph showed a scaly plaque.
  • The report described each plaque.

Forms

plaque · plaques

Similar words

patch
A general area of changed skin rather than a specific clinical lesion.
papule
A smaller raised skin lesion.