A
plate is a broad, concave, but mainly flat vessel on which
food can be served. A plate can also be used for ceremonial or decorative purposes. Most plates are circular, but they may be any shape, or made of any water-resistant material. Generally plates are raised round the edges, either by a curving up, or a wider lip or raised portion. Vessels with no lip, especially if they have a more rounded profile, are likely to considered as
bowls or dishes, as are very large vessels with a plate shape. Plates are
dishware, and
tableware. Plates in wood,
pottery and metal go back into
antiquity in many cultures.