Definition

Noun: A fish scale is a small, rigid, plate-like structure that grows from the skin of a fish. It forms a protective layer over the body.

Usage

The term fish scale is used to refer to the individual protective covering of a fish. It is typically a countable noun. * The biologist examined the fish scale under a microscope to determine the species. * Cleaning the trout, she noticed how easily the fish scale came off.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use: Sometimes used to describe something that is thin, overlapping, or iridescent like an actual fish scale.
  • The roof was made of tiles arranged like fish scales.

Variants and Related Words

• Scaled (adj): Covered in or having scales.
  • A scaled reptile.
• Scaly (adj): Covered with or resembling scales.
  • The fish had a rough, scaly skin.

Synonyms

• Plate (in a biological/zoological context)
• Dermal denticle (specifically for sharks and rays)

Related Phrases

• To scale a fish: This is a phrasal verb meaning to remove the scales from a fish.
  • You need to scale the fish before you cook it.

Noun

1. scale of the kind that covers the bodies of fish