scale

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   relative magnitude

   they entertained on a grand scale

2. 2
   noun

   the ratio between the size of something and a representation of it

   the scale of the map

3. 3
   noun

   an ordered reference standard

   judging on a scale of 1 to 10

4. 4
   verb

   size or measure according to a scale

   This model must be scaled down

5. 5
   verb

   measure with or as if with scales

   scale the gold

6. 6
   verb

   remove the scales from

   scale fish

7. 7
   verb

   reach the highest point of

   We scaled the Mont Blanc

8. 8
   verb

   take by attacking with scaling ladders

   The troops scaled the walls of the fort

Etymology

From Middle English scale, from Old French escale, from Frankish and/or Old High German skala, from Proto-Germanic *skalō. Cognate with Old English sċealu (“shell, husk”), whence the modern doublet shale. Further cognate with Dutch schaal, German Schale, French écale.