definitions

scaly

[ skey-lee ]
/ ˈskeɪ li /
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR scaly ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective, scal·i·er, scal·i·est.

covered with or abounding in scales or scale.
characterized by or consisting of scales; scalelike.
peeling or flaking off in scales.
Slang. shabby; despicable.

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RELATED WORDS

flaky, furfuraceous, lepidote, scabby

Nearby words

scalpellic, scalper, scalping, scalpriform, scalprum, scaly, scaly anteater, scam, scamander, scambaiting, scamillus

Origin of scaly

First recorded in 1520–30; scale1 + -y1
Related formsscal·i·ness, nounun·scal·y, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for scaly

British Dictionary definitions for scaly

scaly

/ (ˈskeɪlɪ) /

adjective scalier or scaliest

resembling or covered in scales
peeling off in scales
Derived Formsscaliness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for scaly

scaly

adj.

also scaley, late 14c., from scale (n.1) + -y (2). Related: Scaliness.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Medicine definitions for scaly

scaly

[ skā′lē ]

adj.

Covered or partially covered with scales.
Shedding scales or flakes; flaking.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.