Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
🚪 A door protector 🧰 A bottom panel
kick plate

kick plate

4.6
A removable panel at the bottom of an appliance or door that protects it and gives access to parts inside
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : panel de acceso
  • A stainless steel kick plate protects the bottom of the door from scuff marks.

Examples

  • The kick plate on the door was scratched.

  • To clean the filter, you first need to take off the kick plate at the base of the appliance.

  • The technician removed the kick plate to check the wiring inside the dishwasher.

  • He installed a new kick plate for better protection.

  • The technician removed the kick plate to access the wiring inside the refrigerator.

  • To clean the area underneath the appliance, he detached the kick plate at the bottom.

  • After installation, she ensured the kick plate was securely attached to prevent dirt buildup.

Synonyms

faceplate
vskick plate
5 5.9

A front panel that covers and protects a machine or device

is placed at the bottom and is removable for access
cover plate
vskick plate
  • Specialized
1 4.8

A flat hard plate that closes an opening to protect the parts inside

is removable and also provides access to internal parts

Surface Forms

kick plate singular
kick plates plural

Morphology

kick + plate

The meaning is compositionally built from 'kick' (what the plate is for/where it is placed) + 'plate' (a flat panel), so a learner who knows both words can infer a protective panel at the bottom of a door or appliance that might be kicked. This is a regular, productively understood English compound/attributive construction and therefore readily comprehensible to B1 learners.

Etymology

Kick plate can also mean a removable panel at the bottom of an appliance or door. Because it sits where people might kick it and is easy to take off, the low plate lets you reach the inside, so it means 'to provide access' to internal parts.