scale scale /ˈskeɪl/

noun

1. () Relative magnitude  ( scale )
   relative magnitude
    They entertained on a grand scale
   they entertained on a grand scale
   
2. () An ordered reference standard  ( graduated table , ordered series , scale of measurement , scale )
   an ordered reference standard
    Judging on a scale of 1 to 10
   judging on a scale of 1 to 10
   
3. () The ratio between the size of something and a representation of it  ( scale )
   the ratio between the size of something and a representation of it
    The scale of the map
   the scale of the map
    The scale of the model
   the scale of the model
   
4. () A specialized leaf or bract that protects a bud or catkin  ( scale leaf , scale )
   a specialized leaf or bract that protects a bud or catkin
     The scale insects attached themselves to the underside of the plant's leaves.
   The scale insects attached themselves to the underside of the plant's leaves.
   
5. A flattened rigid plate forming part of the body covering of many animals  ( scale )
   a flattened rigid plate forming part of the body covering of many animals
    The fishmonger cleaned and removed the scales from the fish before selling it
   The fishmonger cleaned and removed the scales from the fish before selling it
   
   
6. A metal sheathing of uniform thickness (such as the shield attached to an artillery piece to protect the gunners)  ( plate , scale , shell )
   a metal sheathing of uniform thickness (such as the shield attached to an artillery piece to protect the gunners)
   
7. An indicator having a graduated sequence of marks  ( scale )
   an indicator having a graduated sequence of marks
    The nurse weighed the newborn baby on a scale to track their growth and development
   The nurse weighed the newborn baby on a scale to track their growth and development
   
   
8. A measuring instrument for weighing; shows amount of mass  ( scale , weighing machine )
   a measuring instrument for weighing; shows amount of mass
    I stepped on the scale at the doctor's office and realized I had gained some weight
   I stepped on the scale at the doctor's office and realized I had gained some weight
   
   
9. (music) a series of notes differing in pitch according to a specific scheme (usually within an octave)  ( musical scale , scale )
   (music) a series of notes differing in pitch according to a specific scheme (usually within an octave)
    The musician practiced scales to improve their technique on the instrument
   The musician practiced scales to improve their technique on the instrument
   
10. A thin flake of dead epidermis shed from the surface of the skin  ( exfoliation , scale , scurf )
    a thin flake of dead epidermis shed from the surface of the skin
    

verb

1. () Pattern, make, regulate, set, measure, or estimate according to some rate or standard  ( scale )
   pattern, make, regulate, set, measure, or estimate according to some rate or standard
   
2. () Measure by or as if by a scale  ( scale )
   measure by or as if by a scale
    This bike scales only 25 pounds
   This bike scales only 25 pounds
   
3. Size or measure according to a scale  ( scale )
   size or measure according to a scale
    This model must be scaled down
   This model must be scaled down
   
4. Measure with or as if with scales  ( scale )
   measure with or as if with scales
    Scale the gold
   scale the gold
   
5. Remove the scales from  ( descale , scale )
   remove the scales from
    Scale fish
   scale fish
   
6. Climb up by means of a ladder  ( scale )
   climb up by means of a ladder
   
7. Reach the highest point of  ( scale , surmount )
   reach the highest point of
    We scaled the Mont Blanc
   We scaled the Mont Blanc
   
8. Take by attacking with scaling ladders  ( scale )
   take by attacking with scaling ladders
    The troops scaled the walls of the fort
   The troops scaled the walls of the fort