noun

scale

scale, scales, level

The company operates on a global scale.

The company operates on a global scale.

I need to weigh myself on the scales.

I need to weigh myself on the scales.

The fish had beautiful, shiny scales.

The fish had beautiful, shiny scales.

He practised his scales on the piano.

He practiced his scales on the piano.

((on a)) ... scale the size or level of sth. The project was on a large scale.

((the)) scales a device for weighing Step on the scales, please.

((a)) musical scale a series of musical notes She practiced the major scale.

Synonyms: (size) magnitude, scope; (device) balance

Has several origins: 1) for size/level, from Latin 'scala' meaning 'ladder'. 2) for a weighing device, from Old Norse 'skāl' meaning 'bowl'. 3) for a fish part, from Old French 'escale' meaning 'husk'.

Think of 'scaling' a wall like climbing a ladder ('scala') to understand its size. For a weighing 'scale', think of the 'bowls' ('skāl') on a classic balance.

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