adj
scaly
SKAY-lee
adj
1
Covered with scales, or having a rough, flaky surface like scales.
"The snake's scaly skin felt cool and dry."
"Her elbows were dry and scaly in the winter."
How to Use Scaly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes a surface covered in scales, or skin that has become dry and flaky.
Common pairings
scaly skin
scaly patches
Word Forms
scalier comparative, scalies plural, scaliest superlative
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The snake's _____ skin felt cool and dry.
Etymology
From "scale" plus the adjective ending "-y."