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

With fewer birds to eat the insects, their population exploded, and the sweet sound of birdsong was replaced with the constant buzzing of scaly little wings.

From Literature

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

All I can see are the dragon’s scaly blue legs and feet out the front window, that’s how tall it is.

From Literature