scale

scale

scale¹ [skāl]

n.

[ME < LL scala (in Vulg., Jacob's ladder) < L, usually as pl., scalae, flight of stairs, ladder < * scandsla < scandere, to climb: see DESCEND]

1. Obs.

a) a ladder or flight of stairs

b) any means of ascent

2.

a) a series of marks along a line, at regular or graduated intervals, used in measuring or registering something [the scale of a thermometer]

b) any instrument or ruler marked in this manner

3.

a) the proportion that a map, model, etc. bears to the thing that it represents; ratio between the dimensions of a representation and those of the object [a scale of one inch to a mile]

b) a line marked off on a map to indicate this ratio or proportion

4.

a) a system of grouping or classifying in a series of steps or degrees according to a standard of relative size, amount, rank, etc. [the social scale, a wage scale]

b) a progressive graduated series, as of psychological or educational tests or scores

c) any point, grade, level, or degree in such a series

5. Math. a system of numerical notation [the binary scale]

6. Music a series of tones arranged in a sequence of rising or falling pitches in accordance with any of various systems of intervals; esp., all of such a series contained in one octave: see also CHROMATIC, DIATONIC, MAJOR SCALE, MINOR SCALE

vt.

scaled, scaling

1.

a) to climb up or over; go up by or as by a ladder or by clambering

b) to reach or surmount (specified heights)

2. to regulate, make, or set according to a scale

3. to measure by or as by a scale

☆ 4. to measure (logs) or estimate the board feet of (timber)

vi.

1. to climb; go up

2. to go up in a graduated series

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on a large scale or on a small scale

to a relatively large (or small, etc.) degree or extent

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scale back

SCALE DOWN (see phrase below)

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☆ scale up or scale down

to reduce (or increase), often according to a fixed ratio or proportion

scaler

n.

scale² [skāl]

n.

[ME, aphetic < OFr escale, husk, shell (< Frank skala) & escaille, shell (< Goth skalja): both < Gmc * skalja, something split off < IE base * (s)kel-, to cut > SHELL, HALF]

1. any of the thin, flat, overlapping, rigid, horny plates forming the outer protective covering of the body in many fishes and reptiles and of the tails of a few mammals: see FISH

2. any of the structurally similar thin plates on birds' legs or certain insects' wings

3.

a) the single, round plate secreted by a scale insect

b) SCALE INSECT

4. any thin, flaky or platelike layer or piece, as of dry skin, mail armor, etc.

5. a flaky film of oxide that forms on heated or rusted metals

6. a coating that forms on the inside of boilers, kettles, or other metal containers that heat liquids

7. any greatly reduced scalelike leaf or bract; esp., such a modified leaf covering and protecting the bud of a seed plant

vt.

scaled, scaling

1. to strip or scrape scales from

2. to remove in thin layers; pare down

3. to cause scales to form on; cover with scales

4. to throw (a thin, flat object) so that its edge cuts the air or so that it skips along the surface of water

5. Dentistry to remove (tartar) from the teeth with a sharp instrument

vi.

1. to flake or peel off in scales

2. to become covered with scale or scales

scaleless

adj.

scale³ [skāl]

n.

[ME < ON skāl, bowl, weighing balance; akin to OHG scala, OE scealu, SHELL: see SCALE²]

1. either of the shallow dishes or pans of a balance

2. [often pl.]

a) BALANCE (sense 1)

b) any weighing machine

vt.

scaled, scaling

1. to weigh in scales

2. to have a weight of

vi.

to be weighed

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the Scales

Libra, the constellation and seventh sign of the Zodiac

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turn the scales

to determine or decide something uncertain [the arrival of fresh troops turned the scales]