SCALE • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Scale

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Scale

noun

1.

An ordered reference standard. Synonyms: graduated table, ordered series, scale of measurement.

2.

Relative magnitude.

3.

The ratio between the size of something and a representation of it. "The scale of the model"

4.

A specialized leaf or bract that protects a bud or catkin. Synonym: 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). Synonym: musical scale.

7.

A measuring instrument for weighing; shows amount of mass. Synonym: 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.

verb

(past & past part. scaled; pres. part. scaling)

1.

Measure by or as if by a scale.

2.

Pattern, make, regulate, set, measure, or estimate according to some rate or standard.

3.

Take by attacking with scaling ladders.

4.

Reach the highest point of. Synonym: surmount.

5.

Climb up by means of a ladder.

6.

Remove the scales from. Synonym: descale.

7.

Measure with or as if with scales.

8.

Size or measure according to a scale.

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WordNet 3.0 © 2010 Princeton University

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"Scale" Quotes from Famous Books

... carrying business between York and Knaresborough, and at once proceeded with his new undertaking. The materials for metaling the road were to be obtained from one gravel-pit for the whole length, and he made his arrangements on a large scale accordingly, hauling out the ballast with unusual expedition and economy, at the same time proceeding with the formation of the road at all points; by which means he was enabled the first to complete his contract, to the entire satisfaction ...

— The Life of Thomas Telford by Smiles • Samuel Smiles

... were a training groom. He is good enough to suggest a stimulant to me in the shape of extra pay and his future patronage in the event of his nephew's taking a first in Michaelmas term. If I had received this letter before, I think it would have turned the scale, and I should have refused. But the thing was done, and Blake isn't fairly ...

— Tom Brown at Oxford • Thomas Hughes

... authorized the spirit of opposition and rebellion. The nobility, also, whom the king had no means of retaining by offices and preferments suitable to their rank, had been seized with the general discontent, and unwarily threw themselves into the scale which already began too much to preponderate. Sensible of some encroachments which had been made by royal authority, men entertained no jealousy of the commons, whose enterprises for the acquisition of power had ever been covered with the appearance of public good, and had hitherto gone no further ...

— The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.I., Part E. - From Charles I. to Cromwell • David Hume

... demolition, like other tastes, increases by indulgence; from these lighter attempts at mischief, the more tumultuous part of the meeting began to meditate destruction on a more extended scale—"Let us heave it down altogether, the old crow's nest," became a general cry among them; "it has served the Pope and his rooks too long;" and up they struck a ballad which was then popular among ...

— The Abbot • Sir Walter Scott

... opinion urged that the speculators who had paid nominal sums for their bonds should be reimbursed for their outlays and the original holders paid the difference; others said that the government should "scale the debt" by redeeming, not at full value but at a figure reasonably above the market price. Against the proposition Hamilton set his face like flint. He maintained that the government was honestly bound to redeem every bond at its face value, although the difficulty ...

— History of the United States • Charles A. Beard and Mary R. Beard

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