scales
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a piece of equipment used to measure how heavy someone or something is.
n.an instrument or machine used for weighing. Often used in the plural form even when referring to a single device.
Simple“She stepped onto the scales to see if her new diet was working.”
In context“The laboratory technician calibrated the digital scales to ensure the chemical measurements remained precise to the milligram.”
UsageCommonly used as a plural noun ('the scales') even when referring to one physical object.
Synonymsbalanceweighing machine - 02 B1 Intermediate
n.the small, thin, hard plates that cover the bodies of fish and snakes.
n.the small, overlapping rigid plates forming the protective outer covering of fish, reptiles, and certain other animals.
Simple“The fish had shiny silver scales that sparkled in the sunlight.”
In context“Biologists examined the arrangement of the snake's scales to determine its specific subspecies and geographic origin.”
Synonymsplatesscutes - 03 C1 Advanced
n.another name for the constellation or zodiac sign Libra.
n.the constellation and zodiacal sign Libra, represented by the symbol of a balance.
Simple“In ancient times, the Scales were associated with the autumn equinox.”
In context“The astronomer pointed out the Scales of Libra, noting that it is the only zodiacal constellation representing an inanimate object.”
Synonymslibra - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to climb up something steep, or to increase in size or level.
v.the third-person singular present form of 'scale', meaning to climb a steep surface or to adjust in size or proportion.
Simple“The mountain climber scales the cliff face with impressive speed.”
In context“As the startup grows, the software automatically scales to handle the increased traffic from new users.”