S

Scale

noun

1. each of the small, thin horny or bony plates protecting the skin of fish and reptiles, typically overlapping one another.

2. something resembling a fish scale in appearance or function, in particular:

a thick dry flake of skin

a rudimentary leaf, feather, or bract

each of numerous microscopic tile-like structures covering the wings of butterflies and moths

3. [mass noun] a flaky deposit, in particular:

a white deposit formed in a kettle, boiler, etc. by the evaporation of water containing lime: banging sounds emanating from the boiler may be caused by a build-up of scale

tartar formed on teeth

a coating of oxide formed on heated metal: a spray-on chemical for removing welding scale and heat discoloration from stainless steel

verb

1. [with object] remove scale or scales from: he scales the fish and removes the innards

remove tartar from (teeth) by scraping them: dental hygienists give treatment such as scaling and polishing teeth

2. [no object] (often as noun scaling) (especially of the skin) form scales: moisturizers can ease off drying and scaling

come off in scales or thin pieces; flake off: the paint was scaling from the brick walls

Phrases

the scales fall from someone's eyes

someone is no longer deceived: the scales had fallen from her eyes and she saw clearly what perhaps she should have been aware of earlier
[with biblical reference to Acts 9:18]

Derivatives

scaled

adjective

[often in combination]: a rough-scaled fish

scaleless

Pronunciation: /ˈskeɪllɪs/

adjective

scaler

noun

Origin:

Middle English: shortening of Old French escale, from the Germanic base of scale²

Sculpture

noun

[mass noun]

the art of making two- or three-dimensional representative or abstract forms, especially by carving stone or wood or by casting metal or plaster: the boundary between painting and sculpture is displaced

[count noun] a work of art made by sculpture: a bronze sculpture [mass noun]: a collection of sculpture

Zoology & Botany raised or sunken patterns or texture on the surface of a shell, pollen grain, cuticle, or other biological specimen: ammonite shells with external sculpture near the aperture
verb

[with object]

make or represent (a form) by carving, casting, or other shaping techniques: the choir stalls were each carefully sculptured

form or shape as if by sculpture, especially with strong, smooth curves: (as adjective sculptured) he had an aquiline nose and sculptured lips

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin sculptura, from sculpere 'carve'