a series of marks along a line, at regular or graduated intervals, used in measuring or registering something: the scale of a thermometer
any instrument or ruler marked in this manner
the proportion that a map, model, etc. bears to the thing that it represents; ratio between the dimensions of a representation and those of the object: a scale of one inch to a mile
a line marked off on a map to indicate this ratio or proportion
a system of grouping or classifying in a series of steps or degrees according to a standard of relative size, amount, rank, etc.: the social scale, a wage scale
a progressive graduated series, as of psychological or educational tests or scores
any point, grade, level, or degree in such a series
Math. a system of numerical notation: the binary scale
Music a series of tones arranged in a sequence of rising or falling pitches in accordance with any of various systems of intervals; esp., all of such a series contained in one octave