scale meaning and definition

SCALE noun

Definition of scale (noun)

1. an ordered reference standard
   • "judging on a scale of 1 to 10"
   • synonyms: graduated table, ordered series, scale of measurement
2. relative magnitude
   • "they entertained on a grand scale"
3. the ratio between the size of something and a representation of it
   • "the scale of the map"; "the scale of the model"
4. a specialized leaf or bract that protects a bud or catkin
   • synonyms: scale leaf
5. a thin flake of dead epidermis shed from the surface of the skin
   • synonyms: exfoliation, scurf
6. (music) a series of notes differing in pitch according to a specific scheme (usually within an octave)
   • synonyms: musical scale
7. a measuring instrument for weighing; shows amount of mass
   • synonyms: weighing machine
8. an indicator having a graduated sequence of marks
9. a metal sheathing of uniform thickness (such as the shield attached to an artillery piece to protect the gunners)
   • synonyms: plate, shell
10. a flattened rigid plate forming part of the body covering of many animals

SCALE verb

Definition of scale (verb)

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