# Scales

/ˈskeɪɫz/ (US) · /skˈeɪlz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scales
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. weighing device

noun · CEFR A2

a piece of equipment used to measure how heavy someone or something is.

For teachers: an instrument or machine used for weighing. Often used in the plural form even when referring to a single device.

- She stepped onto the scales to see if her new diet was working.
- The laboratory technician calibrated the digital scales to ensure the chemical measurements remained precise to the milligram.

Usage: Commonly used as a plural noun ('the scales') even when referring to one physical object.

### 2. skin of fish/reptiles

noun · CEFR B1

the small, thin, hard plates that cover the bodies of fish and snakes.

For teachers: the small, overlapping rigid plates forming the protective outer covering of fish, reptiles, and certain other animals.

- The fish had shiny silver scales that sparkled in the sunlight.
- Biologists examined the arrangement of the snake's scales to determine its specific subspecies and geographic origin.

### 3. astronomy/zodiac

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

another name for the constellation or zodiac sign Libra.

For teachers: the constellation and zodiacal sign Libra, represented by the symbol of a balance.

- In ancient times, the Scales were associated with the autumn equinox.
- The astronomer pointed out the Scales of Libra, noting that it is the only zodiacal constellation representing an inanimate object.

### 4. climbing or increasing

verb · CEFR B2

to climb up something steep, or to increase in size or level.

For teachers: the third-person singular present form of 'scale', meaning to climb a steep surface or to adjust in size or proportion.

- The mountain climber scales the cliff face with impressive speed.
- As the startup grows, the software automatically scales to handle the increased traffic from new users.

## Examples

- I stepped on the scales to check my weight.
- The chef carefully placed the ingredients on the kitchen scales to ensure the recipe was perfectly balanced.
- While the biologist examined the iridescent scales of the specimen under a microscope, the lab assistant recorded the creature's total mass using a set of precision digital scales.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.