scale3
noun 1 a graduated range of values forming a standard system for measuring or grading something: a pay scale. 2 a measuring instrument based on such a system. 3 relative size or extent: he operated on a grand scale. 4 a ratio of size in a map, model, drawing, or plan. 5 Music an arrangement of the notes in any system of music in ascending or descending order of pitch. verb 1 climb up or over (something high and steep). 2 represent or draw according to a common scale. 3 (of a quantity or property) be variable according to a particular scale. 4 (scale back/down or up) reduce (or increase) in size, number, or extent. PHRASES to scale with a uniform reduction or enlargement. in scale in proportion to the surroundings. ORIGIN Latin scala ladder.
Perform another search of the Compact Oxford English Dictionary
About this dictionary
The Compact Oxford English Dictionary of Current English contains 145,000 words, phrases, and definitions.
Find out more about Oxford's range of English dictionaries
Sign up for the AskOxford Word of the Day
Search the Little Oxford Dictionary of Quotations
Search the Concise Dictionary of First Names
|