Plates: meaning, definitions and examples

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plates

[pleɪts ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in the kitchen

Plates are flat, round dishes that are used to hold food. They are typically made of ceramic, glass, or plastic. Plates come in various sizes and designs, and are an essential part of any dining experience.

Synonyms

dishes, platters, saucers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
plates	This word is commonly used to refer to flat dishes from which food is eaten or served. It is a general term suitable for most dining situations, whether formal or informal. Please put your dirty plates in the sink. We need more plates for the dinner party.
dishes	This can refer to both the individual plates, bowls, and cups used to serve food, as well as the food itself. It is often used to talk about the entire set of items used in a meal or the variety of foods being offered. I need to wash the dishes after dinner. She prepared several delicious dishes for the guests.
saucers	Saucers are small dishes placed under teacups or coffee cups to catch drips or hold the spoon. They are used primarily in more formal settings or for tea and coffee service. Please place the cup on the saucer to avoid spills. The tea set includes matching cups, saucers, and a teapot.
platters	Platters are large, flat serving dishes typically used to present or serve large amounts of food. They are often used for parties, gatherings, or special occasions. The turkey was served on a large silver platter. We arranged the appetizers on a decorative platter.

Examples of usage

I need to wash the dirty plates after dinner.
She carefully arranged the plates on the dining table.
The waiter carried a stack of plates to the kitchen.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in geology

In geology, to plate means to cover or coat a surface with a thin layer of metal, rock, or other material. This process can be natural, such as when tectonic plates shift and create new land formations, or artificial, such as in metal plating techniques.

Synonyms

coat, cover, overlay.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
plates	Use when referring to flat, typically round objects used for serving or eating food. Can also be used in technical or geological contexts to refer to large, flat objects like tectonic plates. We need more plates for the party. The Earth's crust is divided into several moving plates.
coat	Use this when referring to applying a layer of something, especially liquids or pastes, onto a surface. Also used for clothing items worn to keep warm. She decided to coat the chicken with breadcrumbs. He put on his coat before leaving the house.
cover	Appropriate when referring to placing something over another object to protect, conceal, or shelter it. Also used metaphorically to mean addressing or dealing with a topic. She used a blanket to cover the baby. Let's cover all the key points before the meeting.
overlay	Best used when describing a layer that is added on top of another, often in digital or graphical contexts. It can also mean a decorative layer added to something. The map has an overlay showing the population density. He decided to add an overlay of gold to the wooden surface.

Examples of usage

The exposed rock was plated with a shiny metallic substance.
The jeweler plated the silver ring with a layer of gold.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'plate' originates from the Old French 'plate,' meaning 'a flat dish' or 'a flat piece of metal.'
It has roots in the Latin word 'platus,' which means 'flat' or 'broad.'
Initially used for metal sheets, the term evolved to refer to dinnerware by the 14th century.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, the arrangement of food on plates can signify respect and honor, often seen during festive occasions.
Traditional Japanese cuisine emphasizes aesthetic presentation through the use of elegant plates, enhancing the dining experience.
The use of colorful or patterned plates can invoke specific feelings and enhance the enjoyment of meals.

Science

In geology, tectonic plates are large pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact, causing earthquakes and forming mountains.
Plates used in scientific experiments can also refer to petri dishes, essential for growing bacteria and other microorganisms.
The concept of plates extends to physics, where the plate theory explains sound and light wave interactions.

Art and Design

Artistic plates can serve as canvas for painters, often transforming functional items into decorative art pieces.
The Rookwood Pottery Company, established in the U.S., was known for its artistic plates and unique glazing techniques in the 20th century.
Many contemporary artists create limited edition plates that serve as collectible art, appreciated for both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

History

Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians used clay and metal plates to hold food, often decorated with hieroglyphs.
Archaeologists have discovered that some of the oldest known plates date back to around 3000 B.C.E., illustrating their long-standing use in human culture.
In the 18th century, the porcelain plate became popular in Europe, revolutionizing dining and table settings.

Translations

Translations of the word "plates" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pratos

🇮🇳 प्लेटें

🇩🇪 Teller

🇮🇩 piring

🇺🇦 тарілки

🇵🇱 talerze

🇯🇵 皿 (さら)

🇫🇷 assiettes

🇪🇸 platos

🇹🇷 tabaklar

🇰🇷 접시 (jeopsi)

🇸🇦 أطباق

🇨🇿 talíře

🇸🇰 taniere

🇨🇳 盘子 (pánzi)

🇸🇮 krožniki

🇮🇸 diskar

🇰🇿 тақталар

🇬🇪 ფირფიტები

🇦🇿 qablar

🇲🇽 platos

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,175, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

...
2172 zero
2173 foundation
2174 perfectly
2175 plates
2176 continuing
2177 measurement
2178 bone
...