scaly

American  

[skey-lee] / ˈskeɪ li /

adjective

scalier, scaliest

1. covered with or abounding in scales scale or scale.

2. characterized by or consisting of scales; scale; scalelike.

3. peeling or flaking off in scales. scale.

4. Slang.  shabby; despicable.

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scaly British  

/ ˈskeɪlɪ /

adjective

1. resembling or covered in scales

2. peeling off in scales

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Other Word Forms

• scaliness noun
• unscaly adjective

Etymology

Origin of scaly

First recorded in 1520–30; scale ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

It was not clear whether the scaly hotel gatecrasher was a saltwater crocodile or its less dangerous freshwater cousin.

From Barron's

It is characterised by severely dry, red, scaly, and inflamed skin that is highly susceptible to infection and skin cancer.

From BBC

At less than 11 millimeters long the rough woodlouse, a drab scaly invertebrate that feasts on decaying vegetation, might seem like an unlikely master gardener.

From Science Magazine

Agents found the man’s scaly, squirmy passengers in small bags hidden in his jacket, pants pockets and groin area, according to CBP.

From Los Angeles Times

These scaly creatures, 400 meters long and with thousands of long, razor-sharp teeth, attack the mining operations without fail.

From Seattle Times