scale - Definition & Meaning | Lingo Dictionary

scale

Plural

scales

the size, amount, or degree of one thing compared with another

The scale of the earthquake was so immense that it caused widespread damage across the region.
When choosing a new car, he considered the scale of fuel efficiency in relation to the vehicle's size.
The scale of the forest fire was beyond anything the firefighters had ever encountered.
The artist had a remarkable ability to capture the scale of natural landscapes in his paintings.
We need to assess the scale of the problem before deciding on a suitable solution.

each of the thin hard plates that cover the surface of the body of a fish or reptile

A scale is a small, overlapping, bony, or keratinous structure covering many animals' bodies, such as fish, reptiles, and certain mammals. They provide a protective outer layer that serves various functions. In fish, scales help reduce friction in the water, aiding in streamlined movement and reducing energy expenditure. They also provide a barrier against physical injuries and pathogens. Reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, have scales that provide protection from external elements, regulate body temperature, and assist in locomotion by providing traction. Scales in mammals, like pangolins and armadillos, are made of keratin and form tough, armor-like coverings for defense against predators. The diversity of scales across different species reflects their adaptability and importance in the animal kingdom, playing essential roles in locomotion, protection, and environmental adaptation.

The fish's scales shimmered in the sunlight as it leaped out of the water.
The alligator's scales provide protection from predators and help regulate body temperature.
The scientist carefully examined the reptile's scales to identify its species.
The dragon in the fairy tale had iridescent scales that glistened like jewels.
The snake's scales allow it to move smoothly and efficiently across various terrains.

a device used to weigh people or objects

A scale is a device used to measure the weight of people, ingredients, or other objects. It typically consists of a flat surface or platform on which the item to be weighed is placed, and a digital or mechanical display that shows the weight in units such as pounds, kilograms, or ounces. Scales come in various types and sizes, including bathroom scales for weighing people, kitchen scales for measuring ingredients in cooking or baking, and industrial scales for weighing heavier objects or materials. They are valued for their accuracy and precision in providing measurements, making them essential tools for tasks such as monitoring weight, portioning ingredients, or packaging products.

The bathroom scale indicated that she had lost a few pounds after her diet and exercise regimen.
The warehouse manager used a large industrial scale to weigh the shipments of goods.
The doctor's office had a digital scale to measure patients' weight accurately during check-ups.
The airline baggage check-in counter had a scale to ensure that luggage met weight restrictions.
The jeweler employed a precision scale to weigh precious metals and gemstones for crafting jewelry.

Synonyms:

weighing machine

an arrangement of a series of musical notes with specified intervals, in ascending or descending pitch order

A scale is a series of musical notes arranged in ascending or descending order by pitch. It typically follows a specific pattern of intervals, or distances between the notes, which helps to create a particular sound or mood. For example, a major scale follows a pattern of whole and half steps that gives it a bright, happy sound, while a minor scale has a different pattern that often sounds more somber. Scales are the foundation for melodies and harmonies in music.

The C major scale consists of seven notes, starting with C and following a specific pattern of intervals.
The guitarist practiced various scales to improve their finger dexterity and knowledge of musical theory.
In this composition, the melody moves up and down the scale, creating a sense of tension and release.
The musician demonstrated their mastery of the pentatonic scale with a soulful guitar solo.
Learning to play scales is an essential foundation for any musician, as it enhances their understanding of harmony and melody.

Synonyms:

musical scale

a system of numerical values used to quantify and compare levels, degrees, or values

The earthquake's intensity was measured on the Richter scale.
The temperature scale can be in Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin.
The pain scale helps doctors assess the severity of a patient's discomfort.
Bodybuilders often compete in different weight classes, each with its own scale of measurements.
The Likert scale is commonly used in surveys to gauge responses.

Synonyms:

ordered series graduated table scale of measurement

a principle of design that refers to the size of elements in a composition relative to one another or to the overall size of the composition itself

Scale refers to the size of elements in relation to each other and the overall space in design. It determines how large or small something appears compared to other parts of the design. Proper scale helps create a sense of balance, making sure that elements fit well together and the design looks visually appealing.

In architectural design, the scale of the building's facade elements should harmonize with the structure's overall size.
The artist carefully considered the scale of the objects in the painting to create a balanced and visually pleasing composition.
When designing a website, it's important to maintain a consistent scale for fonts and images for a cohesive look.
The interior designer used various furniture pieces to establish a sense of scale in the spacious living room.
An understanding of scale is crucial in graphic design to ensure that text and graphics are legible and well-proportioned in a layout.