n.
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin scala ladder, staircase, from Latin scalae, plural, stairs, rungs, ladder; akin to Latin scandere to climb ― more at SCAN
Date: 15th century
1 a obsolete : LADDER b archaic : a means of ascent
2 : a graduated series of musical tones ascending or descending in order of pitch according to a specified scheme of their intervals
3 : something graduated especially when used as a measure or rule: as a : a series of marks or points at known intervals used to measure distances (as the height of the mercury in a thermometer) b : an indication of the relationship between the distances on a map and the corresponding actual distances c : RULER 3
4 a : a graduated series or scheme of rank or order <a scale of taxation> b : MINIMUM WAGE 2
5 a : a proportion between two sets of dimensions (as between those of a drawing and its original) b : a distinctive relative size, extent, or degree <projects done on a large scale >
6 : a graded series of tests or of performances used in rating individual intelligence or achievement
– scale adjective
– to scale : according to the proportions of an established scale of measurement <floor plans drawn to scale >