Pronunciation: [skˈe͡ɪlɪ] (IPA) 
The word "scaly" is pronounced /ˈskeɪ.li/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). It is spelled with a "c" and a "y" which represent the sounds /k/ and /i/ respectively. The "l" in "scaly" represents the voiced consonant /l/, which means that the vocal cords vibrate while producing this sound. "Scaly" is an adjective used to describe something that has scales, or a rough, dry, or flaky surface like fish or reptile skin.
Scaly is an adjective commonly used to describe an object or surface that is covered in or resembles scales. Scales are usually thin, flat, and overlapping plates that develop on the skin or outer covering of certain animals, such as fish or reptiles. When we say something is scaly, it means it has a rough texture similar to the appearance of scales.
Typically, the term scaly is applied to describe the physical characteristics of animals with scales, as in "the scaly skin of a snake" or "the scaly armor of a fish." It suggests an exterior that is composed of small, hard, and protective plates that usually provide defense against predators or environmental elements.
However, scaly can also be used metaphorically to describe non-living objects or even people. For instance, someone with dry skin may be referred to as having scaly skin due to a flaky texture. In a broader sense, scaly might be used to depict an object that has a similar appearance or texture to scales, such as the scaly bark of a tree or scaly patterns on a dinosaur fossil.
Overall, scaly encompasses the concept of a surface or object that exhibits the rough, overlapping, and scale-like characteristics often associated with the natural world.
1. Scurfy. 2. Squamous.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• Abounding with scales; composed of scales lying over one another.
• See scale 1.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "scaly" has its etymology rooted in the Old English word "scealiġ", which meant "covered in shells or scales". This Old English term derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*skaljō", which also had the sense of "scale". Ultimately, the Proto-Germanic term came from the Proto-Indo-European root "*skel-", which denoted "to split" or "to separate". This root is similar to the Old Norse word "skel", meaning "a shell" or "tile", and the Latin word "scutum", meaning "a shield". Over time, "scaly" has retained its connection to things covered in hard plates or scales, such as the skin of reptiles or fish.
