scale

/skeɪl/ noun

Definition

› [S or U] the size or level of something, especially when this is large: the scale of sth We failed to recognize the scale of the problem. on a large/small scale. on a global/national/international scale

› [C] MEASURES a set of numbers, amounts, etc. used to measure or compare the level of something: on a scale of 1 to 10/zero to 100, etc. How would you rate his work on a scale of 1 to 5? at the top/bottom of the scale

› [C or U] GRAPHS & CHARTS the relation between the real size of something and its size on a map, model, or diagram: to scale The map is drawn to scale. a scale drawing/model

› (also UK scales) a piece of equipment for weighing things or people: The mail is weighed on a scale.