n. an organized layer of microorganisms in which the cells stick to each other as well as to a surface. Biofilm may be implicated in several disease processes, including dental infections (see plaque), *endocarditis, infections of surgical implants, lung infections in people with *cystic fibrosis, and *glue ear. Its organized structure makes the biofilm resistant to attack.
n. 1. a layer that forms on the surface of a tooth, principally at its neck, composed of bacteria in an organic matrix (*biofilm). Under certain conditions the plaque may cause *gingivitis, *periodontal disease, or *dental caries. The purpose of oral hygiene is to remove plaque. 2. a raised patch on the skin, formed by *papules enlarging or coalescing to form an area 2 cm or more across. 3. a deposit, consisting of a fatty core covered with a fibrous cap, that develops on the inner wall of an artery in atherosclerosis (see atheroma). 4. any flat and often raised patch, for example on mucous membrane, resulting from local damage.... plaque
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