1 C1 formal
In electroplating or electrochemistry, to deposit metal onto a surface.
"Copper began to plate out on the cathode as current was passed through the solution."
separable
plate out
C1 formal separable transitive/intransitive
In chemistry or electroplating, to deposit metal onto a surface, sometimes as an unwanted byproduct.
In plain English
A science term: when metal sticks onto a surface because of a chemical or electrical reaction, sometimes when you don't want it to.
What does "plate out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 formal
In microbiology, to spread a sample of bacteria or cells onto a growth medium (agar plate).
"The researcher plated out the bacterial culture to isolate individual colonies."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To plate (deposit as a layer) out (onto a surface) — technical but directionally transparent.
Actually means
A science term: when metal sticks onto a surface because of a chemical or electrical reaction, sometimes when you don't want it to.
Usage tip
Used in electrochemistry, electroplating, and microbiology. In chemistry, 'plate out' can describe both intentional plating and undesired metal deposition on reactor walls or equipment. In microbiology, it can refer to spreading bacteria onto a petri dish. Highly technical.
Words that pair with "plate out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
metal electrode reactor copper bacteria petri dish
How to conjugate "plate out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
plate out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
plates out
he/she/it
Past simple
plated out
yesterday
Past participle
plated out
have + pp
-ing form
plating out
continuous
Hear "plate out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "plate out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "plate out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.