Definition of scale

< scale

scale insect >

scale³    (skl) KEY 

NOUN:

1. An instrument or machine for weighing. Often used in the plural.
2. Either of the pans, trays, or dishes of a balance.

VERB:
scaled, scal·ing, scales
VERB:
tr.

To weigh with scales.

VERB:
intr.

To have a given weight, as determined by a scale: cargo that scales 14 metric tons.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, bowl, balance, from Old Norse skl; see skel-¹ in Indo-European roots