: an instrument consisting of a strip (as of wood, plastic, or metal) with spaces on its surface that are evenly divided and numbered for measuring distances or amounts. Middle English scale "bowl, pan or tray of a balance," of Norse origin.
Definition of scale noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
scale (plural scales) (obsolete) A ladder; a series of steps; a means of ascending. An ordered, usually numerical sequence used for measurement; means of assigning a magnitude. Please rate your experience on a scale from 1 to 10. The magnitude of an earthquake is measured on the open-ended Richter scale. Size; scope. quotations
1. To clear or strip of scale or scales: Scale and clean the fish. 2. To remove in layers or scales: scaled off the old paint. 3. To cover with scales; encrust. 4. To throw or propel (a thin flat object) through the air or along a surface, such as water or ice.
On a map, plan, or chart, a scale indicates the proportion between the representation and what it represents, such as the legend “One inch equals twenty miles” on a map.
