scaler
scaler Lexical Profile
scaler Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A specialized dental instrument, either hand-held or ultrasonic, used for scraping plaque, calculus, and tartar from teeth, or a culinary tool used for removing the scales from fish.
"The dental hygienist used an ultrasonic scaler to gently remove hardened tartar along the gumline."
An electronic circuit, hardware device, or software component that adjusts the resolution of a video signal to fit a different display size, or that counts and divides electrical pulses by a constant factor.
"The television's built-in video scaler converts standard-definition broadcasts to fit the high-definition screen."
A person who climbs steep surfaces such as mountains, cliffs, or walls.
"An experienced rock scaler can ascend the sheer granite face in just a few hours."
North American A forestry worker who measures felled logs and timber to determine their volume, grade, and commercial value.
"The timber scaler inspected each load of pine logs arriving at the sawmill."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'scaler' (a tool or person that removes scales, climbs, or adjusts size) with the homophone 'scalar' (a mathematical quantity that has magnitude but no direction).