n. & v.
n. 1 a series of degrees; a graded classification system (pay fees according to a prescribed scale; high on the social scale; seven points on the Richter scale). 2 a (often attrib.) Geog. & Archit. a ratio of size in a map, model, picture, etc. (on a scale of one centimetre to the kilometre; a scale model). b relative dimensions or degree (generosity on a grand scale). 3 Mus. an arrangement of all the notes in any system of music in ascending or descending order (chromatic scale; major scale). 4 a a set of marks on a line used in measuring, reducing, enlarging, etc. b a rule determining the distances between these. c a piece of metal, apparatus, etc. on which these are marked. 5 (in full scale of notation) Math. the ratio between units in a numerical system (decimal scale).
v. 1 tr. a (also absol.) climb (a wall, height, etc.) esp. with a ladder. b climb (the social scale, heights of ambition, etc.). 2 tr. represent in proportional dimensions; reduce to a common scale. 3 intr. (of quantities etc.) have a common scale; be commensurable. economies of scale proportionate savings gained by using larger quantities. in scale (of drawing etc.) in proportion to the surroundings etc. play (or sing) scales Mus. perform the notes of a scale as an exercise for the fingers or voice. scale down make smaller in proportion; reduce in size. scale up make larger in proportion; increase in size. scaling-ladder hist. a ladder used to climb esp. fortress walls, esp. to break a siege. to scale with a uniform reduction or enlargement. scaler n.
[ (n.) ME (= ladder): (v.) ME f. OF escaler or med.L scalare f. L scala f. scandere climb ]