noun
scale
A device for measuring weight.
She places the flour on a scale to weigh it.
Etymology
The Norse source names a bowl. The bowls or pans of a balance gave their name to the weighing device as a whole.
More examples
- The bathroom scale shows my weight in pounds.
- Set your suitcase on the scale at the check-in counter.
- Vendors use digital scales to weigh fruit at the market.
Forms
scale · scales
Similar words
- balance
- Often measures weight by comparing a load with known weights.