Plate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈplāt/

Meaning & Definition of Plate

Plate (noun)

  1. a smooth flat thin piece of material
  2. forged, rolled, or cast metal in sheets usually thicker than ¼ inch (6 millimeters)
  3. a very thin layer of metal deposited on a surface of base metal by plating

Plate (verb)

  1. to cover or equip with plate
  2. to provide with armor plate
  3. to cover with an adherent layer mechanically, chemically, or electrically; also, to deposit (something, such as a layer) on a surface

Plate (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a small thin piece of material that resembles an animal scale

    "the tiny silver plates on the brooch are arranged to look like fish scales"

    similar: lamella, lamina, scale
    related: chip, flake, sliver, splint, splinter, leaf, sheet, slice

  2. something that visually explains or decorates a text

    "the book's color plate illustrates the internal organs of the human body"

    similar: diagram, figure, graphic, illustration, visual
    related: art, artwork, drawing, illumination, image, pictogram, pictograph, picture, caption, key, legend, inset, depiction, pictorialization, portrait, portrayal, representation, clarification, elucidation, explanation, explication, exposition

Related Entry: Silver plate (noun)

Silver plate is a different word from Plate. The synonyms below are for silver plate, not for plate.

  1. as in knife, spoon

    similar: chopstick, fork, knife, spoon, tablespoon, teaspoon, flatware, silver, silverware, tableware, place setting, setting, setup, cutlery

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Plate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Plate:

lamella, lamina, scale, diagram, figure, graphic, illustration, visual

Related Words for Plate

chip, flake, sliver, splint, splinter, leaf, sheet, slice, art, artwork, drawing, illumination, image, pictogram, pictograph, picture, caption, key, legend, inset, depiction, pictorialization, portrait, portrayal, representation, clarification, elucidation, explanation, explication, exposition

Word Forms of Plate

Inflections: plates, plated, plating

Derived words: platelike (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Plate

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from plate, feminine of plat flat, from Vulgar Latin *plattus, probably from Greek platys broad, flat place

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Plate

Words & Phrases Containing Plate

plate glass, plate rail, plate tectonics, agar plate, bite plate, blue plate, cell plate, end plate

Frequently Asked Questions about Plate

What does "Plate" mean?

"Plate" means a smooth flat thin piece of material. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a smooth flat thin piece of material. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Plate"?

Other words for "Plate" include lamella, lamina, scale, diagram, figure, graphic, illustration and visual. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Plate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Plate"?

There are 38 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Plate". Common alternatives include lamella, lamina, scale, diagram, figure, graphic, illustration and visual.

How do you use "Plate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Plate" in a sentence: "the tiny silver plates on the brooch are arranged to look like fish scales"; "the book's color plate illustrates the internal organs of the human body".

Is "Plate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Plate" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Plate" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Plate" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Plate"?

"Plate" is pronounced /ˈplāt/.

What is the origin of the word "Plate"?

"Plate" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French, from plate, feminine of plat flat, from Vulgar Latin *plattus, probably from Greek platys broad, flat place. First known use: 14th century.