scale

n 1: an ordered reference standard: "judging on a scale of 1 to

10" [syn: {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 leaf}]

5: a thin flake of dead epidermis shed from the surface of the

skin [syn: {scurf}]

6: a series of notes differing in pitch according to a specific

scheme (usually within an octave) [syn: {musical scale}]

7: an instrument for weighing; shows amount of mass [syn: {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}, {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 took the

fort"

4: reach the highest point of; "We scaled the Mont Blanc" [syn:

{surmount}]

5: climb up by means of a ladder

6: remove the scales from; "scale fish" [syn: {descale}]

7: measure with or as if with scales; "scale the gold"

8: size or measure according to a scale