scale

Definition

Scale is a way of measuring things that are very different sizes. For example, you can use a scale to measure the length of a pencil and the distance between two stars.

There are many different types of scales, each designed to measure a different type of thing. For example, there are scales for measuring length, weight, temperature, and time.

When you use a scale, you always need to know the scale factor. A scale factor is a number that tells you how much bigger or smaller the thing you are measuring is than the unit of measurement.

For example, if you are using a ruler to measure the length of a pencil, the scale factor is 1 inch. This means that every inch on the ruler corresponds to 1 inch in real life.

How can the word be used?

The fish was covered in scales.

Different forms of the word

Noun:

a series of steps or degrees of size, amount, or intensity.
a thin, flat piece of metal, plastic, or other material, typically used for weighing things.
a system of musical notes arranged in ascending or descending order of pitch.
a system of measurement based on a standard unit.
a system of values or beliefs.

Verb:

to climb or ascend something.
to change or adjust something to a particular size or amount.
to cover something with a thin layer of something.

Etymology

The word "scale" comes from the Old English word "scalu", which means "thin plate of metal".

The first recorded use of the word "scale" in English was in the 9th century.

The word "scale" is an Old English word, and it is related to the Old Norse word "skel", which also means "thin plate of metal".

Question

When measuring something why is scale important?