Meaning of the word plates in English

What does plates mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

plates

US /pleɪts/
UK /pleɪts/

Plural Noun

1.

flat dishes from which food is eaten or served

Example:
Please set the table with clean plates.
The chef arranged the food beautifully on the plates.
2.

sheets of metal, glass, or other rigid material

Example:
The car's armor consists of thick steel plates.
The building's exterior was covered with decorative ceramic plates.
3.

the rigid pieces of the earth's lithosphere that move slowly over the asthenosphere

Example:
The movement of tectonic plates causes earthquakes.
Scientists study the interaction of oceanic and continental plates.