scaly

[skey-lee]

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.

scaly

/ ˈskeɪlɪ /

adjective

1. resembling or covered in scales

2. peeling off in scales

Other Word Forms

• scaliness noun
• unscaly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scaly¹

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.

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

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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.

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

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And lurking in that haystack: unblinking eyes and hovering heads and one scaly coil after another.

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