Dictionary.com

scaly

[ skey-lee ]
/ ˈskeɪ li /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR scaly

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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Origin of scaly

First recorded in 1520–30; scale1 + -y1

OTHER WORDS FROM scaly

scal·i·ness, nounun·scal·y, adjective

Words nearby scaly

scalpel, scalping, scalp lock, scalpriform, scalprum, scaly, scaly anteater, scam, Scamander, scambaiting, scamillus
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to scaly

flaky, flaking, furfuraceous, lepidote, scabby

Example sentences 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 forms of scaly

scaliness, 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

Medical 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.