SCALES Meaning and
Definition
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Scales are a tool or instrument used to measure the weight, mass, or quantity of an object. They typically consist of a platform or tray, on which the object to be weighed is placed, and a mechanism that measures the force exerted by the object due to gravity. This force is then converted into a numerical value that represents the weight or mass of the object.
Scales can vary in size and design, ranging from small handheld devices to large industrial or commercial scales. They can be mechanical or electronic in nature. Mechanical scales operate using a system of springs or levers that respond to the weight of the object, while electronic scales employ strain gauges or load cell sensors to measure the force.
Scales are commonly used in various applications, including commercial businesses such as grocery stores, where they are used to weigh and measure food products for sale. They are also utilized in industrial settings to weigh raw materials, components, and finished products. In the medical field, scales are crucial for accurately measuring the weight of patients for diagnostic and monitoring purposes. In households, scales are often found in kitchens, where they are used for cooking and baking, as well as for monitoring personal fitness and weight goals.
Overall, scales are essential tools used for precision measurement of weight, mass, or quantity in a wide range of everyday and professional contexts.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SCALES *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SCALES
Etymology of SCALES
The word "scales" has its etymology traced back to various origins, depending on the context in which it is used. Here are a few:
1. For the weighing device:
The word "scales" in the sense of a weighing device can be traced back to the Old Norse word "skál", which means "bowl" or "dish". This Old Norse term eventually evolved into Middle English as "scales" and referred to the two pans or dishes used for weighing goods.
2. For the fish covering:
The term "scales" used to refer to the armored covering on the bodies of certain fish, such as those belonging to the order of Actinopterygii, has a different origin. It comes from the Old French word "escaile", which ultimately came from the Latin word "squāma".
Idioms with the word SCALES
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the scales fall from sb's eyes
The idiom "the scales fall from sb's eyes" means that someone's perception or understanding of a situation becomes clear, often revealing a truth or reality that was previously hidden or misunderstood. It originates from a story in the Bible, where the Apostle Paul regained his sight after being blinded temporarily, and it is used metaphorically to describe moments of sudden enlightenment or realization.
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tilt the balance/scales
The idiom "tilt the balance/scales" means to influence or change the outcome of a situation or decision, typically by providing an advantage or favoring one side over the other. It suggests that something or someone has the power to shift the equilibrium or fairness, causing an imbalance in the final outcome.
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tip the scales
The idiom "tip the scales" means to influence or cause a change in the balance or outcome of a situation, typically by providing an advantage to one side or another. It can refer to the act of shifting the weight on a physical scale to favor one side over the other, or metaphorically to describe an action or factor that causes a significant impact or determines the final result of something.
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tip the balance, at tip the scales
The idiom "tip the balance" or "tip the scales" refers to a situation where a small or seemingly insignificant action or factor has a significant impact or influence, often resulting in a decisive outcome or changing the course of events. It implies that a slight change or addition can bring about a significant shift in the overall balance or outcome.
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tip the balance/scales, at tilt the balance/scales
The idiom "tip the balance/scales" or "tilt the balance/scales" means to cause a significant change in a situation or outcome by providing a slight advantage or influencing factors in a particular direction. It refers to the act of shifting the equilibrium in a particular way, often in a competitive or conflictive context.
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tip the scales at sth
The idiom "tip the scales at something" means to weigh a specific amount or have a particular weight. It is often used figuratively to describe the weight or importance of something, typically with a negative connotation.
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The scales fall from eyes
The idiom "The scales fall from eyes" means to suddenly see or understand something clearly, especially after being deceived or unaware of the truth for a long time. It refers to a moment of revelation or realization that completely changes one's perspective or perception of a situation or person.
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the Scales
The idiom "the Scales" refers to a situation or concept related to fairness, justice, or balance. It originates from the symbol of the scales held by the Greek goddess of justice, Themis, and are commonly associated with the legal system. The phrase can also imply impartiality, objectivity, or the act of weighing different factors or opinions before making a decision.
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tip the scales at
The idiom "tip the scales at" means to have a specific weight, usually indicating that something or someone is very heavy. It suggests that the weight is possibly even more than expected or excessive.
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turn the scales
The idiom "turn the scales" typically refers to the act of tipping the balance in favor of one side or the other in a decision or situation. It implies causing a significant change or influencing an outcome to be more advantageous for someone or something.
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tip the scales at something
The idiom "tip the scales at something" means to have or reach a particular weight, usually a high or significant one. It is often used to describe the measurement or estimate of a person's weight or the weight of an object.
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have scales fall from (one's) eyes
The idiom "have scales fall from (one's) eyes" is a figurative expression used to describe a sudden realization or awareness of something that was previously hidden or misunderstood. It refers to the biblical story of Saul's conversion to Paul, where scales fell from his eyes after a divine intervention. Thus, this idiom signifies a moment of clarity or enlightenment when one sees the truth or understands a situation more clearly.
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the scales fall from somebody's eyes
The idiom "the scales fall from somebody's eyes" means that someone suddenly realizes the truth or sees something in a new light, often after being deceived or mistaken for a long time. It refers to a metaphorical shedding of scales, similar to how scales falling from the eyes would allow one to see more clearly and without distortion.
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the scales fall from someone's eyes
The idiom "the scales fall from someone's eyes" is used to describe the moment when someone suddenly and clearly sees or understands the truth about a situation or person, often after being deceived or blind to it for a period of time. It refers to a metaphorical shedding of a barrier or veil that was obstructing one's perception or understanding.
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the scales fall from your eyes
The idiom "the scales fall from your eyes" is used to describe a moment of sudden clarity or understanding, where someone realizes the truth or sees something in a completely new light. It refers to a metaphorical shedding of a barrier or misconception that previously prevented one from seeing things clearly.
Similar spelling words for SCALES
- scale wax,
- schlag,
- schloss,
- scalzo,
- scholes,
- schlesien,
- scalic,
- schalk,
- scalise,
- Schlosser,
- scalisi,
- scoliosis,
- sclk,
- Scoles,
- scalage.
Conjugate verb Scales
CONDITIONAL
I
would scale
we
would scale
you
would scale
he/she/it
would scale
they
would scale
FUTURE
I
will scale
we
will scale
you
will scale
he/she/it
will scale
they
will scale
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have scaled
we
will have scaled
you
will have scaled
he/she/it
will have scaled
they
will have scaled
PAST
I
scaled
we
scaled
you
scaled
he/she/it
scaled
they
scaled
PAST PERFECT
I
had scaled
we
had scaled
you
had scaled
he/she/it
had scaled
they
had scaled
PRESENT
I
scale
we
scale
you
scale
he/she/it
scales
they
scale
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have scaled
we
have scaled
you
have scaled
he/she/it
has scaled
they
have scaled
I
am scaling
we
are scaling
you
are scaling
he/she/it
is scaling
they
are scaling
I
was scaling
we
were scaling
you
were scaling
he/she/it
was scaling
they
were scaling
I
will be scaling
we
will be scaling
you
will be scaling
he/she/it
will be scaling
they
will be scaling
I
have been scaling
we
have been scaling
you
have been scaling
he/she/it
has been scaling
they
have been scaling
I
had been scaling
we
had been scaling
you
had been scaling
he/she/it
had been scaling
they
had been scaling
I
will have been scaling
we
will have been scaling
you
will have been scaling
he/she/it
will have been scaling
they
will have been scaling
I
would have scaled
we
would have scaled
you
would have scaled
he/she/it
would have scaled
they
would have scaled
I
would be scaling
we
would be scaling
you
would be scaling
he/she/it
would be scaling
they
would be scaling
I
would have been scaling
we
would have been scaling
you
would have been scaling
he/she/it
would have been scaling
they
would have been scaling
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