Scaly: meaning, definitions and examples

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scaly

 

[ หˆskeษชli ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

texture description

Scaly refers to a surface that is covered with or resembles scales. This term is often used to describe the skin of reptiles and fish, which have protective scales that can vary in size, shape, and texture. In a more general sense, it can also describe any surface that has a flaky or layered appearance. Scaly can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as describing the texture of certain plants or even the feeling of dry, peeling skin.

Synonyms

flaky, peeling, rough, textured.

Examples of usage

  • The scaly skin of the lizard is very unique.
  • He had scaly patches on his elbows due to the dry climate.
  • The fish glistened with its scaly body under the sunlight.
  • The artist painted a scaly texture to add depth to the artwork.

Translations

Translations of the word "scaly" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น escamoso

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคฟเคฐเคšเคฆเคพเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช schuppig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bersisik

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปัƒัะบะฐั‚ะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ล‚uskowaty

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ†ใ‚ใ“็Šถใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉcailleux

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ escamoso

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท pulaklฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋น„๋Š˜์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ูู‚ูŽุดู‘ูŽุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลกupinatรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ลกupinatรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ณž็Šถ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ luskast

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skelja

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐะฑั‹า›ั‚ั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฅแƒ”แƒ แƒชแƒšแƒ˜แƒแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qฤฑrtlaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ escamoso

Etymology

The word 'scaly' originates from the Middle English term 'scale', derived from the Old French 'escale', which in turn comes from the Latin 'scala', meaning 'ladder' or 'scale'. This historical connection to scales (as in the scales of a fish or reptile) highlights the word's usage in describing surfaces that are composed of overlapping or protruding elements similar to the rungs of a ladder. Over time, 'scaly' has evolved to encompass not only the physical characteristics of certain animals but also metaphorical descriptions of textures in various contexts. The adjectival form suggests a visual and tactile quality that has resonated in descriptions ranging from biology to art, emphasizing the layered, often protective nature of the scaly surfaces.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,643, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.