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Plate: meaning, definitions and examples

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plate

 

[pleɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

for serving food

A flat, usually round dish used for serving food.

Synonyms

dish, platter, saucer.

Examples of usage

  • The waiter brought out a plate of spaghetti.
  • She placed the cake on a decorative plate.
Context #2 | Noun

in dentistry

A thin, flat piece of metal or plastic used in dentistry to restore a tooth's shape and function.

Synonyms

dental crown, dental plate.

Examples of usage

  • The dentist recommended a porcelain plate for the patient's cracked tooth.
  • The dental technician crafted a custom plate for the patient.
Context #3 | Verb

to cover with a thin layer

To cover or coat a surface with a thin layer of a substance.

Synonyms

coat, cover, layer.

Examples of usage

  • The chef plated the dessert with a raspberry coulis.
  • The artist plated the sculpture with gold leaf.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French 'plate', which means 'flat dish', used since the 14th century.
  • It has roots in Latin 'plata', meaning 'broad or flat', highlighting its shape.
  • Initially, items similar to plates were called 'platters', indicating their use for serving as well as holding.

Cultural Significance

  • In Japanese culture, the color and design of a plate can signify different meanings or traditions during meals.
  • Plate designs often vary significantly between cultures, showing local artistic expressions and styles.
  • In many households, the style of plates used during festive occasions can reflect family heritage and special customs.

Science

  • In geology, a 'plate' refers to massive, rigid slabs that make up the Earth's lithosphere, similar to the way food is held on a plate.
  • The concept of tectonic plates explains earthquakes; these plates move and shift, causing the ground to shake.
  • Microbiologists use Petri plates to grow bacteria, showcasing the versatility of plates in scientific research.

Art

  • Ceramic art often features plates as a canvas for creative expression, turning everyday items into art pieces.
  • Some artists use techniques like painting or glazing to transform ordinary plates into decorative masterpieces.
  • The plate as an art form has been celebrated in various museums, highlighting its evolution and cultural significance.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'What's on your plate?' is commonly used in conversations to ask about someone's responsibilities or tasks.
  • In popular cooking shows, beautiful plates are often emphasized to showcase the presentation of meals.
  • The iconic 'dinner plate' has appeared in various films and shows symbolizing family gatherings and shared meals.

Translations

Translations of the word "plate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prato

🇮🇳 थाली

🇩🇪 Teller

🇮🇩 piring

🇺🇦 тарілка

🇵🇱 talerz

🇯🇵 皿 (さら)

🇫🇷 assiette

🇪🇸 plato

🇹🇷 tabak

🇰🇷 접시 (jeopsi)

🇸🇦 طبق

🇨🇿 talíř

🇸🇰 tanier

🇨🇳 盘子 (pánzi)

🇸🇮 krožnik

🇮🇸 diskur

🇰🇿 табақ

🇬🇪 თეფში

🇦🇿 boşqab

🇲🇽 plato

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,465, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.