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| scale [ skayl ] |
noun (plural scales) |
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1. measuring system: a system of measurement based on a series of marks laid down at regular intervals and representing numerical values
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2. size ratio: a ratio representing the size of an illustration or reproduction, especially a map or a model, in relation to the object it represents
  The scale of the map is 1:50,000.
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3. measuring instrument: an instrument or apparatus with graduated markings for measuring something
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4. system of classification: a system of classification in which people or things are ranked progressively according to a specific criterion
rated their satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 5
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5. level: the extent or relative size of something
the scale of the devastation
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6. U.S. minimum payment: the minimum payment for work, as agreed on during labor negotiations
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7. series of musical notes: a series of musical notes, usually sequential, arranged in ascending or descending order of pitch
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verb (past and past participle scaled, present participle scal·ing, 3rd person present singular scales) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive verb climb something: to climb up something, especially a steep incline, often using a ladder
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2. transitive verb make something in different size: to make a model or draw a map of something in a regular proportion to the size of the original
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3. intransitive verb rise in stages: to go upward in stages or steps
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| [14th century. < Latin scala "staircase, ladder"] |
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| scal·a·ble adjective |
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to scale with the same proportion of reduction or enlargement throughout, e.g. in a map or model
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