The Open Dictionary

scale

noun

UK/skeɪl/
US/skeɪl/

Definitions of scale noun

measure

  1. B2Countable

    A series of numbers or units used for measuring or comparing the magnitude of something.

    • The temperature was measured using the Celsius/Fahrenheit scale.

    • On a scale of one to five, how would you rate this product?

    • This scale is used to assess customer satisfaction.

  2. B2CountableUncountable

    The ratio between the size of a representation of something and its actual size.

    • The map has a scale of 1:10,000.

    • This map is drawn to a very detailed scale.

    • The model of the building is built to scale.

size

  1. B2UncountableSingular

    The extent or magnitude of something, especially when it is considerable.

    • We have not yet grasped the full scale of the disaster.

    • The company operates on a global scale.

    • The event was organized on a large scale.

music

  1. Countable

    A sequence of musical notes arranged in ascending or descending order of pitch.

    • the C major scale

    • Practicing scales daily is essential for a pianist.

    • She was practicing arpeggios and scales.

skin

  1. CountableUsually plural

    A small, rigid, plate-like structure covering the skin of fish, reptiles, and some other animals.

covering

  1. Uncountable

    A hard, chalky deposit that forms on the inside of pipes and containers that carry or heat water.

Phrases of scale noun

  • scales

    A device used for measuring the weight of objects or people.

    • Please use the kitchen scales to measure the weight of the flour.

  • a pair of scales

    A device used for weighing, consisting of two pans suspended from a horizontal bar that is supported in the middle. An object of known weight is placed in one pan, and the object to be weighed is placed in the other to determine its mass.

    • The pharmacist used a pair of scales to precisely measure the weight of the medicine.

verb

UK/skeɪl/
US/skeɪl/

Definitions of scale verb

climb

  1. Transitive

    To ascend or climb something steep or high, typically using specialized equipment.

    • The mountaineers successfully scaled the peak.

    • He managed to scale the cliff face unaided.

    • Firefighters quickly scaled the building.

clean teeth

  1. Transitivemedicalspecialized

    To remove plaque and tartar from teeth using dental instruments.

    • The dentist recommended regular scaling and polishing.

    • She went to the dentist for a teeth cleaning and scaling.

    • Regular scaling helps prevent gum disease.

Idioms

  • scale the heights

    To achieve a very high level of success in a particular career or field.

    • After years of hard work, he finally scaled the heights in the field of medical research.

  • the scales fall from someone's eyes

    To suddenly understand something that you did not understand before, usually a truth or reality that was previously hidden.

    • After years of research, the scientists finally had the scales fall from their eyes and understood the real cause of the disease.

  • large/small-scale

    Refers to the size or extent of an event or activity.

    • The city is undertaking a large-scale infrastructure development project.

Phrasal Verbs of scale

  • scale something up

    to expand the size, quantity, or significance of something, typically relating to an organization or process

    • As demand increased, the company decided to scale up production.

  • scale something down

    to reduce the size of something from its original or intended dimensions

    • Due to budget constraints, we had to scale down the project.