What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scute
Example
The scutes on the turtle's shell protect it from predators. [scutes: noun]
Example
The iguana's scutes were rough to the touch. [scutes: adjective]
scale
Example
The fisherman measured the trout using a scale. [scale: noun]
Example
The recipe called for scaling the fish before cooking it. [scaling: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scale is a more common word than scute and has a wider range of meanings. Scale is used in everyday language to refer to measuring instruments, musical notes, and the size or proportion of things. Scute is a more specialized term used primarily in biology and zoology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scute and scale?
Both scute and scale are technical terms used in scientific contexts, but scale is also used in everyday language in non-technical contexts. Therefore, scale is generally considered a more versatile and less formal word than scute.
