adj.
Pronunciation: ' sk ā -l ē
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: scal · i · er ; -est
Date: 14th century
1 a : covered with, composed of, or rich in scale or scales b : FLAKY
2 : of or relating to scaly animals
3 : DESPICABLE , POOR <a regular scaly old shop ― Charles Dickens>
4 : infested with scale insects < scaly fruit>
– scal · i · ness noun