scale

Everyday

1. A scale, or scales, is a tool for weighing things. tree →
2. A scale on a map or plan shows how real distances are made smaller: «1 cm stands for 1 km». tree →
3. A scale is a set of marks with numbers for measuring, like on a ruler or thermometer. tree →
4. Scales are the small hard plates on the skin of fish and snakes. tree →
5. A scale in music is notes going up or down in order. tree →
6. To scale a wall is to climb it. tree →

In the lessons

In school maths: weighing on a scale; reading a scale between marks; balance pans; a map scale (map length × scale = real distance); scale drawings. In science: reading scales on measuring jugs and thermometers; fish and reptile scales. In music: practising scales. Phrases: «on a scale of 1 to 10», «to scale», «large-scale», «kitchen scales».

Examples

• The scale shows 5 kg. tree →
• On the map, 1 cm stands for 2 km. tree →
• Put the apples on the scale. tree →
• The scale balances. tree →
• Fish and snakes are covered in scales. tree →
• She practises her piano scales every day. tree →
• On a scale of 1 to 10, how much did you like the film? tree →
• The climbers scaled the cliff. tree →
• Will you lend me your best pair of scales?" tree →

Note

«Scales» (plural) often means one weighing machine in the UK: «the kitchen scales». Maths: on a map scale, real distance = map length × scale. Read the marks between numbers carefully (each small mark may stand for 2, 5 or 10). Trap: a scale «balances» means both sides are equal.

In Jewish tradition

Only sea creatures with both fins and scales may be eaten. In Job the crocodile's scales are its pride, and in the psalms David says that with God's help he can "scale a wall."

Interpretation. This is one of the signs of kosher fish. The rabbis say a fish with scales always has fins too. The verse about scaling a wall is read as David thanking God for strength in battle.

Examples

• Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that is a detestable thing unto you. (Torah LEV.11.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• and whatsoever hath not fins and scales ye shall not eat; it is unclean unto you. (Torah DEU.14.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• These ye may eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales may ye eat; (Torah DEU.14.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal. (Writings JOB.41.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• For by Thee I run upon a troop; by my God do I scale a wall. (Prophets 2SA.22.30, JPS 1917) tree →
• For by Thee I run upon a troop; and by my God do I scale a wall. (Writings PSA.18.30, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«Scales» (plural) often means one weighing machine in the UK: «the kitchen scales». Maths: on a map scale, real distance = map length × scale. Read the marks between numbers carefully (each small mark may stand for 2, 5 or 10). Trap: a scale «balances» means both sides are equal.