upper plate

[ˈʌpər pleɪt]
nounpl: upper plates
placa superior
1. In dentistry, a denture or prosthetic device that replaces the upper teeth and covers the hard palate
The patient received a new upper plate after losing all their upper teeth.
O paciente recebeu uma placa superior nova após perder todos os dentes superiores.
2. In geology and plate tectonics, the upper of two tectonic plates in a subduction zone
The upper plate moves over the subducting lower plate, creating earthquakes.
A placa superior se move sobre a placa inferior em subducção, criando terremotos.
3. A general term for any upper horizontal surface, plate, or layer in machinery, construction, or scientific contexts
The upper plate of the microscope stage holds the specimen.
A placa superior do estágio do microscópio mantém a amostra.
In both Brazilian and American dental practices, the term 'upper plate' is commonly used when discussing dentures or removable prosthetics. In geological contexts, it is a technical term essential to understanding earthquake science and plate tectonics, particularly important in seismically active regions like Brazil (Amazon region) and the United States (Pacific coast).
Synonyms / Sinônimos
maxillary denturepalatal plateupper denture
Antonyms / Antônimos
lower platelower denture

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
placa superior
Standard term used in dentistry and geology
Rio de Janeiro
placa superior
Same as standard usage
São Paulo
placa superior
Same as standard usage; 'dentadura superior' also used colloquially
Portugal
placa superior
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; 'prótese superior' also used in dental contexts

Related Words

dentureprostheticpalateplate tectonicssubduction zonetectonic plate

Related Idioms & Phrases

upper plate denture
upper plate subduction
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →