Scale - Definition

n 1: an ordered reference standard; "judging on a scale of 1 to
10" [syn: scale, scale of measurement, graduated
table, ordered series]
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
[syn: scale, scale leaf]
5: a thin flake of dead epidermis shed from the surface of the
skin [syn: scale, scurf, exfoliation]
6: (music) a series of notes differing in pitch according to a
specific scheme (usually within an octave) [syn: scale,
musical scale]
7: a measuring instrument for weighing; shows amount of mass
[syn: scale, 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) [syn:
plate, scale, shell]
10: a flattened rigid plate forming part of the body covering of
many animals
v 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" [syn:
scale, surmount]
5: climb up by means of a ladder
6: remove the scales from; "scale fish" [syn: scale,
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"