scale

2
[ skeyl ]
/ skeɪl /

noun

Often scales. a balance or any of various other instruments or devices for weighing: We gave the parents a baby scale. The butcher placed the meat on the scales.
Also called scalepan. either of the pans or dishes of a balance.
Scales, Astronomy, Astrology. the constellation or sign of Libra; Balance.

verb (used with object), scaled, scal·ing.

to weigh in or as if in scales.
to have a weight of.

Idioms for scale

    tip the scale/scales,
    1. to weigh: He tips the scales at 190 lbs.
    2. to turn the trend of favor, control, etc.: The present crisis should tip the scales for our candidate.
    turn the scale/scales, to decide in favor of one side or faction; determine the outcome: It would take a miracle to turn the scales for us now.

Origin of scale

2
1175–1225; Middle English < Old Norse skālar (plural), cognate with Old English scealu scale (of a balance)

Words nearby scale

scalation, scalawag, scald, scald-crow, scaldfish, scale, scale 3, scale back, scale down, scale insect, scale leaf

British Dictionary definitions for turn the scale (1 of 3)

scale 1
/ (skeɪl) /

noun

verb

Derived forms of scale

scalelike, adjective

Word Origin for scale

C14: from Old French escale, of Germanic origin; compare Old English scealu shell

British Dictionary definitions for turn the scale (2 of 3)

scale 2
/ (skeɪl) /

noun

(often plural) a machine or device for weighing
one of the pans of a balance
tip the scales
  1. to exercise a decisive influence
  2. (foll by at) to amount in weight (to)

verb (tr)

to weigh with or as if with scales
to have a weight of

Word Origin for scale

C13: from Old Norse skāl bowl, related to Old High German scāla cup, Old English scealu shell, scale 1

British Dictionary definitions for turn the scale (3 of 3)

scale 3
/ (skeɪl) /

noun

verb

See also scale back

Word Origin for scale

C15: via Italian from Latin scāla ladder; related to Old French eschiele, Spanish escala

Scientific definitions for turn the scale (1 of 2)

scale 1
[ skāl ]

One of the small thin plates forming the outer covering of fish, reptiles, and certain other animals.
A similar part, such as one of the minute structures overlapping to form the covering on the wings of butterflies and moths.
A small, thin, usually dry plant part, such as one of the protective leaves that cover a tree bud or one of the structures that contain the reproductive organs on the cones of a conifer.
A plant disease caused by scale insects.

Scientific definitions for turn the scale (2 of 2)

scale 2
[ skāl ]

An ordered system of numbering or indexing that is used as a reference standard in measurement, in which each number corresponds to some physical quantity. Some scales, such as temperature scales, have equal intervals; other scales, such as the Richter scale, are arranged as a geometric progression.
An instrument or a machine for weighing.

Cultural definitions for turn the scale (1 of 2)

scale

In music, the sequence of tones that a piece of music principally uses. A composition in the key of C-major uses the C-major scale, made up of the white keys on a piano.

Cultural definitions for turn the scale (2 of 2)

scale

A system of marks set at fixed intervals, used as a standard for measurement.

notes for scale

On a map, plan, or chart, a scale indicates the proportion between the representation and what it represents, such as the legend “One inch equals twenty miles” on a map.

notes for scale

Temperature scales divide up the range of temperatures into equal degrees.

Idioms and Phrases with turn the scale (1 of 2)

turn the scale

see tip the balance.

Idioms and Phrases with turn the scale (2 of 2)

scale