A mathematical instrument, consisting of a slip of wood, ivory, or metal, with one or more sets of spaces graduated and numbered on its surface, for measuring or laying off distances, etc
{i} progression of steps; table of graduated rates; system of marks used for measuring; flake; one of many thin plates forming a protective covering; weighing device; limescale
One of the small, thin, membranous, bony or horny pieces which form the covering of many fishes and reptiles, and some mammals, belonging to the dermal part of the skeleton, or dermoskeleton
Scales are a piece of equipment used for weighing things, for example for weighing amounts of food that you need in order to make a particular meal. a pair of kitchen scales. bathroom scales
A scale is a set of levels or numbers which are used in a particular system of measuring things or are used when comparing things. an earthquake measuring five-point-five on the Richter scale The higher up the social scale they are, the more the men have to lose. see also sliding scale, timescale
If the different parts of a map, drawing, or model are to scale, they are the right size in relation to each other. a miniature garden, with little pagodas and bridges all to scale. In music, primary pitches of a key or mode arranged within an octave. Scales are distinguished by the pattern of the intervals between adjacent notes. A scale can be seen as an abstraction from melody that is, the pitches of a melody arranged in stepwise order. cottony cushion scale Richter scale San Jose scale scale insect