English Dictionary

The dish of a balance; hence, the balance itself; an instrument or machine for weighing; as, to turn the scale; -- chiefly used in the plural when applied to the whole instrument or apparatus for weighing. Also used figuratively.
Source : opted (135276)  - auto

The sign or constellation Libra.
Source : opted (135277)  - auto

To weigh or measure according to a scale; to measure; also, to grade or vary according to a scale or system.
Source : opted (135280)  - auto

One of the small, thin, membranous, bony or horny pieces which form the covering of many fishes and reptiles, and some mammals, belonging to the dermal part of the skeleton, or dermoskeleton. See Cycloid, Ctenoid, and Ganoid.
Source : opted (135281)  - auto

Hence, any layer or leaf of metal or other material, resembling in size and thinness the scale of a fish; as, a scale of iron, of bone, etc.
Source : opted (135282)  - auto

One of the small scalelike structures covering parts of some invertebrates, as those on the wings of Lepidoptera and on the body of Thysanura; the elytra of certain annelids. See Lepidoptera.
Source : opted (135283)  - auto

A scale insect. (See below.)
Source : opted (135284)  - auto

A small appendage like a rudimentary leaf, resembling the scales of a fish in form, and often in arrangement; as, the scale of a bud, of a pine cone, and the like. The name is also given to the chaff on the stems of ferns.
Source : opted (135285)  - auto

The thin metallic side plate of the handle of a pocketknife. See Illust. of Pocketknife.
Source : opted (135286)  - auto

An incrustation deposit on the inside of a vessel in which water is heated, as a steam boiler.
Source : opted (135287)  - auto