scale
n. C / Un. the size or level of something, especially when compared to other things. It can also mean a set of numbers or levels used to measure something.
n. the relative size, extent, or degree of something; a graduated range of values used for measurement or classification.
The scale of the problem is much larger than we thought.
The company needs to increase production on a global scale to meet the rising demand for its products.
Architects must consider how the scale of a new skyscraper will affect the surrounding historic neighborhood and the overall city skyline.
From Middle English scale, from Latin scāla, usually in plural scālae (“a flight of steps, stairs, staircase, ladder”), for *skand-slā, from scandō (“to climb”); see scan, ascend, descend, etc. Doublet of scala.
From Middle English scale, from Old French escale, from Frankish and/or Old High German skala, from Proto-Germanic *skalō. Cognate with Old English sċealu (“shell, husk”), whence the modern doublet shale. Further cognate with Dutch schaal, German Schale, French écale.
Inherited from Northern Middle English scale (non-Northern scole), from Old Norse skál (“bowl”) from Proto-Germanic *skēlō. Compare Danish skål (“bowl, cup”), Dutch schaal, German Schale, Old High German scāla, Old English scealu (“cup”).
Often used with the preposition 'on' (e.g., 'on a large scale'). In its measurement sense, it is typically countable.
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off the scale
Far in excess of what is normal or measurable.
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returns to scale
a function describing how returns scale when production increases in the long run
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thumb on the scale
An act of bias or a tactic for cheating which creates a situation that unfairly benefits one party involved in an interaction.