1. a white or grayish patch or plaque that forms on mucous membranes (such as inside the mouth) and cannot be scraped off; often considered a precancerous condition.
Usage: medical term; also spelled leukoplasia; typically requires clinical evaluation

Examples

• The dentist noticed leukoplakia on the patient's gums during the routine checkup.
• Oral leukoplakia can develop from chronic irritation or tobacco use.
• Leukoplakia is not always cancerous, but it should be monitored by a healthcare provider.
• The biopsy confirmed that the leukoplakia was benign.
• Patients with leukoplakia are advised to avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Leukoplakia may appear as white patches on the tongue or inside the cheeks.