1. An ordered reference standard
   "judging on a scale of 1 to 10";
   - 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. An indicator having a graduated sequence of marks
   "The thermometer's scale showed the temperature rising rapidly"
    
5. A measuring instrument for weighing; shows amount of mass
   "The produce vendor used a scale to determine the price of the apples";
   - weighing machine
    
6. (music) a series of notes differing in pitch according to a specific scheme (usually within an octave)
   "The pianist practised the C major musical scale";
   - musical scale
    
7. A flattened rigid plate forming part of the body covering of many animals
   "The fish's scales glistened in the sunlight"
    
8. A thin flake of dead epidermis shed from the surface of the skin
   "Dry skin often results in visible scales";
   - scurf, exfoliation
    
9. A specialized leaf or bract that protects a bud or catkin
   "The pine cone's scales are modified scale leaves";
   - scale leaf
    
10. A metal sheathing of uniform thickness (such as the shield attached to an artillery piece to protect the gunners)
    "The dragon's scales glinted in the sunlight";
    - plate, shell

1. Size or measure according to a scale
   "This model must be scaled down"
    
2. Measure with or as if with scales
   "scale the gold"
    
3. Adjust, measure, or estimate in proportion to a standard or comparative size
   "They scaled the model to fit the available space"
    
4. Reach the highest point of
   "We scaled the Mont Blanc";
   - surmount
    
5. Climb up by means of a ladder
   "The firefighters scaled the building to rescue the trapped residents"
    
6. Take by attacking with scaling ladders
   "The troops scaled the walls of the fort"
    
7. Remove the scales from
   "scale fish";
   - descale

Derived forms: scales, scaling, scaled

Type of: arrive at, ascend, attain, bit, chip, climb, climb up, cover, covering, criterion, flake, fleck, gain, go up, hit, indicator, leaf, magnitude relation, make, measure, measuring device, measuring instrument, measuring system, model, mount, musical notation, natural covering, pattern, proportion, quantify, quantitate, quantitative relation, reach, remove, scrap, shield, size, standard, take, take away, touchstone, withdraw

Encyclopedia: Scale, John