Plate vs. Panel: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 28, 2023
A plate is typically a flat dish from which food is eaten, while a panel is a flat piece of material serving as a component in construction or a surface for artwork.
Key Differences
A plate and a panel are both distinct objects serving unique purposes, primarily differentiated by their usage and structure. A plate is generally a flat, usually round, dish from which people eat or serve food. It is predominantly used in culinary contexts and is an essential item in kitchenware. In contrast, a panel refers to a distinct, usually rectangular piece of a material like wood or metal, often used as a structural component in construction or as a surface for displaying artwork or information.
Within the realms of technology and mechanics, the terms plate and panel acquire different implications. A plate can be a thin, flat piece of metal used in machinery for various purposes, including protection or support. Conversely, a panel is typically a distinct section or component of machinery or equipment, often designed to house controls, interfaces, or displays, serving a pivotal role in allowing users to interact with or manage the equipment or system.
In geology and earth science, the concept of a plate is quite pivotal, referring to the tectonic plates, massive pieces of the Earth's crust that float atop the semi-fluid asthenosphere. These plates are responsible for geological activities like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Meanwhile, the term panel does not have a specific application in geology but can be used generically to refer to a flat surface or a section of material in various contexts.
In the domain of art and design, plates and panels serve as mediums. A plate can be a surface on which an artist engraves or etches a design, especially in printmaking. A panel, conversely, is often a flat board or canvas upon which an artist may paint or create a mural. Both provide diverse avenues for artists to express their creativity and skills, offering different textures, sizes, and functionalities.
Comparison Chart
Primary Usage
Used as a dish from which food is eaten.
Used as a component in construction or a surface for artwork.
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Material
Typically made of ceramic, glass, or plastic.
Made of a variety of materials like wood, metal, or glass.
Role in Technology
Can be a thin, flat piece of metal in machinery.
Serves as a section housing controls, interfaces, or displays in machinery.
Application in Art
Serves as a surface for engraving or etching in printmaking.
Serves as a board or canvas for paintings or murals.
Geology
Refers to tectonic plates, pieces of the Earth's crust.
Does not have a specific application in geology.
Plate and Panel Definitions
Plate
A plate is a flat dish used for serving or eating food.
He served the pasta on a large white plate.
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Panel
A panel is a flat piece of material used as a component in construction.
The wooden panel was carved with intricate designs.
Plate
In geology, a plate refers to a tectonic plate, a piece of the Earth's crust.
The movement of tectonic plates can cause earthquakes.
Panel
A panel can be a surface or board on which artists create artwork.
The artist painted a serene landscape on the panel.
Plate
A smooth, flat, relatively thin, rigid body of uniform thickness.
Panel
A panel can be a distinct section of a wall, door, or other surfaces.
The stained glass panel illuminated the room with colorful light.
Plate
A sheet of hammered, rolled, or cast metal.
Panel
A flat, usually rectangular piece forming a raised, recessed, or framed part of the surface in which it is set.
Plate
A very thin applied or deposited coat of metal.
Panel
The space or section in a fence or railing between two posts.
Plate
A flat piece of metal forming part of a machine
A boiler plate.
Panel
A vertical section of fabric; a gore.
Plate
A flat piece of metal on which something is engraved.
Panel
A thin wooden board, used as a surface for an oil painting.
Plate
A license plate
A car with Utah plates.
Panel
A painting on such a board.
Plate
A thin piece of metal used for armor.
Panel
A board having switches or buttons to control an electric device.
Plate
Armor made of such pieces.
Panel
An instrument panel.
Plate
A sheet of metal, plastic, rubber, paperboard, or other material prepared for use as a printing surface, such as an electrotype or a stereotype.
Panel
A section of a telephone switchboard.
Plate
A print of a woodcut, lithograph, or other engraved material, especially when reproduced in a book.
Panel
A cartoon drawing in a sequence of cartoons that form a narrative.
Plate
A full-page book illustration, often in color and printed on paper different from that used for text pages.
Panel
The complete list of persons summoned for jury duty.
Plate
(Photography) A light-sensitive sheet of glass or metal on which a photographic image can be recorded.
Panel
Those persons chosen from this list to constitute a pool from which a jury or juries will be selected for a particular court.
Plate
(Dentistry) A thin metallic or plastic support fitted to the gums to anchor artificial teeth.
Panel
A jury.
Plate
(Architecture) In wood-frame construction, a horizontal member that bears a load, as of a roof or a wall.
Panel
A group of people gathered to plan or discuss an issue, judge a contest, or act as a team on a radio or television quiz program.
Plate
(Baseball) Home plate.
Panel
A discussion by such a group.
Plate
A shallow dish in which food is served or from which it is eaten.
Panel
To cover or furnish with panels.
Plate
The contents of such a dish
Ate a plate of spaghetti.
Panel
To decorate with panels.
Plate
A whole course served on such a dish.
Panel
To separate into panels.
Plate
Service and food for one person at a meal
Dinner at a set price per plate.
Panel
A (usually) rectangular section of a surface, or of a covering or of a wall, fence etc.
Behind the picture was a panel on the wall.
Plate
Household articles, such as hollowware, covered with a precious metal, such as silver or gold.
Panel
(architectural element) A sunken compartment with raised margins, moulded or otherwise, as in ceilings, wainscotings, etc.
Plate
A dish passed among the members of a group or congregation for the collection of offerings.
Panel
A group of people gathered to judge, interview, discuss etc. as on a television or radio broadcast for example.
Today’s panel includes John Smith.
Plate
A dish, cup, or other article of silver or gold offered as a prize.
Panel
A portion of text or other material within a book, newspaper, web page, etc. set apart from the main body or separated by a border.
Plate
A contest, especially a horserace, offering such a prize.
Panel
(comics) An individual frame or drawing in a comic.
The last panel of a comic strip usually contains a punchline.
Plate
A thin cut of beef from underneath the ribs, including the diaphragm muscle.
Panel
(graphical user interface) A type of GUI widget, such as a control panel.
Admin panel
Plate
A thin flat layer or scale, as that of a fish.
Panel
(law) A document containing the names of persons summoned as jurors by the sheriff.
Plate
A platelike part, organ, or structure, such as that covering some reptiles.
Panel
(law) The whole jury.
Plate
An electrode, as in a storage battery or capacitor.
Panel
A prisoner arraigned for trial at the bar of a criminal court.
Plate
The anode in an electron tube.
Panel
(obsolete) A piece of cloth serving as a saddle.
Plate
(Geology) See tectonic plate.
Panel
A soft pad beneath a saddletree to prevent chafing.
Plate
(Informal) A schedule of matters to be dealt with
Had a lot on my plate at work after vacation.
Panel
(joinery) A board having its edges inserted in the groove of a surrounding frame.
The panel of a door
Plate
To coat or cover with a thin layer of metal.
Panel
(masonry) One of the faces of a hewn stone.
Plate
To cover with armor plate
Plate a warship.
Panel
(masonry) A slab or plank of wood used instead of a canvas for painting on.
Plate
(Printing) To make a stereotype or electrotype from.
Panel
(mining) A heap of dressed ore.
Plate
To give a glossy finish to (paper) by pressing between metal sheets or rollers.
Panel
(mining) One of the districts divided by pillars of extra size, into which a mine is laid off in one system of extracting coal.
Plate
To arrange (food) on a plate, as for serving
"a choice of starters, entrées, and desserts plated just as they will appear when ordered" (John Edward Young).
Panel
(dressmaking) A plain strip or band, as of velvet or plush, placed at intervals lengthwise on the skirt of a dress, for ornament.
Plate
(Baseball) To cause (a run) to be scored or (a runner) to cross home plate, as by a hit.
Panel
A portion of a framed structure between adjacent posts or struts, as in a bridge truss.
Plate
A slightly curved but almost flat dish from which food is served or eaten.
I filled my plate from the bountiful table.
Panel
A list of doctors who could provide limited free healthcare prior to the introduction of the NHS.
Plate
(uncountable) Such dishes collectively.
Panel
(medicine) A group of tests or assays, a battery.
Plate
The contents of such a dish.
I ate a plate of beans.
Panel
To enter (jury members) on an official list of jurors; to empanel.
Plate
A course at a meal.
The meat plate was particularly tasty.
Panel
To fit (an animal, especially a mule or ass) with a panel or simple padded saddle.
Plate
(figuratively) An agenda of tasks, problems, or responsibilities
With revenues down and transfer payments up, the legislature has a full plate.
Panel
(transitive) To fit (a room etc.) with panels.
Plate
A flat object of uniform thickness.
The most important and most expensive part of any solar cell is a silicon plate.
Panel
A sunken compartment with raised margins, molded or otherwise, as in ceilings, wainscotings, etc.
Plate
A vehicle license plate.
He stole a car and changed the plates as soon as he could.
Panel
A piece of parchment or a schedule, containing the names of persons summoned as jurors by the sheriff;
Plate
A taxi permit, especially of a metal disc.
Panel
Any group of persons selected to judge a contest, conduct a discussion, serve as advisers, or participate in any group activity in which they will provide information or make judgments.
Plate
(historical) Plate armor.
He was confronted by two knights in full plate.
Panel
Formerly, a piece of cloth serving as a saddle; hence, a soft pad beneath a saddletree to prevent chafing.
Plate
A layer of a material on the surface of something, usually qualified by the type of the material; plating
The bullets just bounced off the steel plate on its hull.
Panel
A board having its edges inserted in the groove of a surrounding frame; as, the panel of a door.
Plate
A material covered with such a layer.
If you're not careful, someone will sell you silverware that's really only silver plate.
Panel
One of the faces of a hewn stone.
Plate
(dated) An ornamental or food service item coated with silver or gold or otherwise decorated.
The tea was served in the plate.
Panel
A slab or plank of wood upon which, instead of canvas, a picture is painted.
Plate
(weightlifting) A weighted disk, usually of metal, with a hole in the center for use with a barbell, dumbbell, or exercise machine.
Panel
A heap of dressed ore.
Plate
(printing) An engraved surface used to transfer an image to paper.
We finished making the plates this morning.
Panel
A plain strip or band, as of velvet or plush, placed at intervals lengthwise on the skirt of a dress, for ornament.
Plate
An image or copy.
Panel
A portion of a framed structure between adjacent posts or struts, as in a bridge truss.
Plate
An illustration in a book, either black and white, or colour, usually on a page of paper of different quality from the text pages.
Panel
A segment of an aëroplane wing. In a biplane the outer panel extends from the wing tip to the next row of posts, and is trussed by oblique stay wires.
Plate
(dentistry) A shaped and fitted surface, usually ceramic or metal that fits into the mouth and in which teeth are implanted; a dental plate.
Panel
To form in or with panels; as, to panel a wainscot.
Plate
(construction) A horizontal framing member at the top or bottom of a group of vertical studs.
Panel
Sheet that forms a distinct (usually flat) section or component of something
Plate
(Cockney rhyming slang) A foot, from "plates of meat".
Sit down and give your plates a rest.
Panel
A committee appointed to judge a competition
Plate
(baseball) Home plate.
There was a close play at the plate.
Panel
(law) a group of people summoned for jury service (from whom a jury will be chosen)
Plate
(geology) A tectonic plate.
Panel
A group of people gathered for a special purpose as to plan or discuss an issue or judge a contest etc
Plate
(herpetology) Any of various larger scales found in some reptiles.
Panel
A pad placed under a saddle
Plate
A flat electrode such as can be found in an accumulator battery, or in an electrolysis tank.
Panel
(computer science) a small temporary window in a graphical user interface that appears in order to request information from the user; after the information has been provided the user dismisses the box with `okay' or `cancel'
Plate
The anode of a vacuum tube.
Regulating the oscillator plate voltage greatly improves the keying.
Panel
Electrical device consisting of an insulated panel containing switches and dials and meters for controlling other electrical devices;
He checked the instrument panel
Suddenly the board lit up like a Christmas tree
Plate
A prize given to the winner in a contest.
Panel
Decorate with panels;
Panel the walls with wood
Plate
(chemistry) Any flat piece of material such as coated glass or plastic.
Panel
Select from a list;
Empanel prospective jurors
Plate
A metallic card, used to imprint tickets with an airline's logo, name, and numeric code.
Panel
In technology, a panel can house controls or displays of equipment.
The control panel featured multiple buttons and levers.
Plate
The ability of a travel agent to issue tickets on behalf of a particular airline.
Panel
A panel can refer to a group of people gathered for discussion or judgment.
The panel of judges deliberated on the competition entries.
Plate
(Australia) A VIN plate, particularly with regard to the car's year of manufacture.
Plate
One of the thin parts of the brisket of an animal.
Plate
A very light steel horseshoe for racehorses.
Plate
(furriers' slang) Skins for fur linings of garments, sewn together and roughly shaped, but not finally cut or fitted.
Plate
(hat-making) The fine nap (as of beaver, musquash, etc.) on a hat whose body is made from inferior material.
Plate
(music) A record, usually vinyl.
Plate
(military) trauma plate.
The SAPI plate in his vest protected him from the bullet's impact.
Plate
Precious metal, especially silver.
Plate
(obsolete) Silver or gold, in the form of a coin, or less often silver or gold utensils or dishes.
Plate
(heraldic charge) A roundel of silver or argent.
Plate
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.
Plate
To place the various elements of a meal on the diner's plate prior to serving.
After preparation, the chef will plate the dish.
Plate
(baseball) To score a run.
The single plated the runner from second base.
Plate
(transitive) To arm or defend with metal plates.
Plate
(transitive) To beat into thin plates.
Plate
To specify which airline a ticket will be issued on behalf of.
Tickets are normally plated on an itinerary's first international airline.
Plate
(philately) to categorise stamps based on their position on the original sheet, in order to reconstruct an entire sheet.
Plate
(philately) (particularly with early British stamps) to identify the printing plate used.
Plate
A flat, or nearly flat, piece of metal, the thickness of which is small in comparison with the other dimensions; a thick sheet of metal; as, a steel plate.
Plate
Metallic armor composed of broad pieces.
Mangled . . . through plate and mail.
Plate
Domestic vessels and utensils, as flagons, dishes, cups, etc., wrought in gold or silver.
Plate
Metallic ware which is plated, in distinction from that which is silver or gold throughout.
Plate
A small, shallow, and usually circular, vessel of metal or wood, or of earth glazed and baked, from which food is eaten at table.
Plate
A piece of money, usually silver money.
Plate
A piece of metal on which anything is engraved for the purpose of being printed; hence, an impression from the engraved metal; as, a book illustrated with plates; a fashion plate.
Plate
A page of stereotype, electrotype, or the like, for printing from; as, publisher's plates.
Plate
That part of an artificial set of teeth which fits to the mouth, and holds the teeth in place. It may be of gold, platinum, silver, rubber, celluloid, etc.
Plate
A horizontal timber laid upon a wall, or upon corbels projecting from a wall, and supporting the ends of other timbers; also used specifically of the roof plate which supports the ends of the roof trusses or, in simple work, the feet of the rafters.
Plate
A roundel of silver or tinctured argent.
Plate
A sheet of glass, porcelain, metal, etc., with a coating that is sensitive to light.
Plate
A prize giving to the winner in a contest.
Plate
A small five-sided area (enveloping a diamond-shaped area one foot square) beside which the batter stands and which must be touched by some part of a player on completing a run; - called also home base, or home plate.
Plate
One of the thin parts of the bricket of an animal.
Plate
A very light steel racing horsehoe.
Plate
Loosely, a sporting contest for a prize; specif., in horse racing, a race for a prize, the contestants not making a stake.
Plate
Skins for fur linings of garments, sewed together and roughly shaped, but not finally cut or fitted.
Plate
The fine nap (as of beaver, hare's wool, musquash, nutria, or English black wool) on a hat the body of which is of an inferior substance.
Plate
A quantity sufficient to fill a plate; a plateful; a dish containing that quantity; a plate of spaghetti.
Plate
The food and service supplied to a customer at a restaurant; as, the turkey dinner is $9 a plate; I'll have a plate of spaghetti.
Plate
A flat dish of glass or plastic with a fitted cover, used for culturing microorganisms in a laboratory.
Plate
The identification tag required to be displayed on the outside of a vehicle; same as license plate; - often used in the plural.
Plate
An agenda or schedule of tasks to be performed; I have a lot on my plate today.
Plate
To cover or overlay with gold, silver, or other metals, either by a mechanical process, as hammering, or by a chemical process, as electrotyping.
Plate
To cover or overlay with plates of metal; to arm with metal for defense.
Thus plated in habiliments of war.
Plate
To adorn with plated metal; as, a plated harness.
Plate
To beat into thin, flat pieces, or laminæ.
Plate
To calender; as, to plate paper.
Plate
A sheet of metal or wood or glass or plastic
Plate
(baseball) base consisting of a rubber slab where the batter stands; it must be touched by a base runner in order to score;
He ruled that the runner failed to touch home
Plate
A full-page illustration (usually on slick paper)
Plate
Dish on which food is served or from which food is eaten
Plate
The quantity contained in a plate
Plate
A rigid layer of the Earth's crust that is believed to drift slowly
Plate
The thin under portion of the forequarter
Plate
A main course served on a plate;
A vegetable plate
The blue plate special
Plate
Any flat platelike body structure or part
Plate
The positively charged electrode in a vacuum tube
Plate
A flat sheet of metal or glass on which a photographic image can be recorded
Plate
Structural member consisting of a horizontal beam that provides bearing and anchorage
Plate
A shallow receptacle for collection in church
Plate
A metal sheathing of uniform thickness (such as the shield attached to an artillery piece to protect the gunners)
Plate
A dental appliance that artificially replaces missing teeth
Plate
The position on a baseball team of the player who is stationed behind home plate and who catches the balls that the pitcher throws;
A catcher needs a lot of protective equipment
He plays behind the plate
Plate
Coat with a layer of metal;
Plate spoons with silver
Plate
In technology, a plate can be a thin piece of metal used for structural support.
The metal plate was bolted to the frame for added stability.
Plate
In art, a plate can be a surface for engraving or etching designs.
The artist meticulously etched the design onto the copper plate.
Plate
A plate can be a decorative dish displayed as artwork.
The antique plate featured delicate hand-painted flowers.
FAQs
Can a plate be used for serving food?
Yes, a plate is commonly used for serving and eating food.
Is a plate integral to printmaking art?
Yes, in printmaking, a plate serves as a surface for engraving or etching designs.
Is a panel a structural component in construction?
Yes, a panel is often used as a structural component in construction.
Can a panel be used as a canvas in art?
Yes, artists can use a panel as a board or canvas for creating artwork.
Can panels be decorative components in architecture?
Absolutely, panels can serve as decorative or functional components in architecture.
Can a panel house controls or displays in equipment?
Absolutely, a panel can house controls, interfaces, or displays in various equipment.
Do tectonic plates float atop the asthenosphere?
Yes, tectonic plates are massive pieces of the Earth's crust that float atop the semi-fluid asthenosphere.
Can a panel be a group of experts?
Yes, the term panel can also refer to a group of experts gathered for discussion or judgment.
Can a plate be round?
Typically, plates are round, but they can also come in other shapes.
Can a plate be made of metal in machinery?
Yes, in machinery, a plate can be a thin piece of metal used for structural support.
Can a panel be a section of a comic strip?
Yes, in comic strips, a panel is a distinct section or frame containing characters and dialogue.
Can a plate be decorative and displayed as artwork?
Yes, some plates are decorative and are displayed as artwork.
Is a panel often rectangular?
Typically, panels are rectangular, but they can come in other shapes depending on the application.
Can a plate be used for scientific analyses?
Yes, plates can be used in laboratories for analyses, such as Petri dishes.
Are plates essential kitchenware items?
Absolutely, plates are essential kitchenware items used for serving and eating food.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
