scale
SKAYL
skeɪl
An instrument for weighing ingredients.
In modern baking, a digital scale is preferred over volume measurements for accuracy.
The story behind the word. The word comes from the Old Norse 'skal', meaning a bowl. Early scales consisted of two bowls hanging from a beam; you weighed things by balancing them against known weights.
Word relationships
- balance: A type of scale that uses two pans to compare weights.
Commonly confused with
- measure: A scale measures weight; a measuring cup measures volume.
Word family
- scales (noun): Plural form of scale.
Collocations
- digital scale
- kitchen scale
- weigh on a scale
Example sentences
- "In baking, a scale is much more accurate than a measuring cup." Baking advice
- "Place the bowl on the scale and tare it before adding the flour." Recipe prep
Memory hook
A SCALE helps you cook at a professional SCALE. Weight watcher.
When not to use
Don't confuse with the 'scales' of a fish or 'scaling' a mountain.
Fun facts
- The 'scales' of justice represent the same root, symbolizing the weighing of evidence.
Related words
Explore more words
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