1. a thin flake or compacted platelike body, as of cornified epithelial cells.
2. a scheme or device by which some property may be measured (as hardness, weight, linear dimension). See also celsius scale, centigrade, farenheit scale,
3. to remove incrustations or other material from a surface, as from the enamel of teeth.
- absolute s. — a temperature scale with zero at the absolute zero of temperature.
- contrast s. — the range of densities or contrasts on a radiograph.
- French s. — see french gauge.
- s. rot — a disease of snakes with no specific cause, characterized by ulceration of the skin at multiple sites. Death is the usual sequel.
