Etymology

Noun

1. A dish from which food is served or eaten.

   I filled my plate from the bountiful table.

2. A course at a meal.

   The meat plate was particularly tasty.

3. A flat metallic object of uniform thickness.

   A clutch usually has two plates.

4. A weighted disk, usually of metal, with a hole in the center for use with a barbell, dumbbell, or exercise machine.
5. An engraved surface used to transfer an image to paper.

   We finished making the plates this morning.

6. An image or copy.
7. A shaped and fitted surface, usually ceramic or metal that fits into the mouth and in which teeth are implanted; a dental plate.
8. A horizontal framing member at the top or bottom of a group of vertical studs.
9. A decorative or food service item coated with silver.

   The tea was served in the plate.

10. A foot, from "plates of meat".

    Sit down and give your plates a rest.

11. Home plate.

    There was a close play at the plate.

12. A tectonic plate.
13. Plate armour.

    He was confronted by two knights in full plate.

Verb

1. To cover the surface material of an object with a thin coat of another material, usually a metal.

   This ring is plated with a thin layer of gold.

2. To place the various elements of a meal on the diner's plate prior to serving.

   After preparation, the chef will plate the dish.

3. To perform cunnilingus.

   He fingered her as he plated her with his tongue.

4. To score a run.

   The single plated the runner from second base.