adjustable scale

[/əˈdʒʌstəbəl skeɪl/]
nounpl: adjustable scales
escala ajustável
1. A measuring instrument or system whose graduated markings or measurements can be modified or calibrated to suit different requirements or conditions
The microscope features an adjustable scale that allows researchers to measure specimens at different magnifications.
O microscópio possui uma escala ajustável que permite aos pesquisadores medir espécimes em diferentes ampliações.
2. A flexible wage or payment system that changes according to specific criteria such as performance, inflation, or other variables
The company implemented an adjustable scale for employee salaries based on annual performance reviews.
A empresa implementou uma escala ajustável para salários dos funcionários com base em avaliações de desempenho anual.
3. In technical and engineering contexts, a calibration system that can be modified to account for different measurements or standards
The digital scale has an adjustable scale feature to account for temperature variations.
A balança digital possui um recurso de escala ajustável para compensar variações de temperatura.
This term is commonly used in Brazilian industrial, scientific, and labor contexts. In Brazil, 'escala móvel' (literally 'mobile scale') is frequently used interchangeably in wage/salary discussions, particularly relating to collective labor agreements and inflation adjustments. In the USA, the concept is particularly relevant in scientific instruments and wage discussions during inflation periods. The term reflects modern flexibility in both measurement and compensation systems across both cultures.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
adjustable measurement systemvariable scaleflexible scalecalibrated scalemodifiable scale
Antonyms / Antônimos
fixed scalerigid scalestatic scalenon-adjustable scale

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
escala ajustável
Standard term used across most of Brazil in technical and industrial contexts
Rio de Janeiro
escala móvel or escala ajustável
Interchangeable usage, with 'escala móvel' sometimes preferred in labor/wage contexts
São Paulo
escala ajustável
Predominant usage in industrial and engineering sectors
Portugal
escala ajustável or escala variável
Both terms acceptable; 'escala variável' may be slightly more common in formal contexts

Related Words

calibrationmeasurementgraduated scalegaugemetric systemvariableflexiblemodular system

Related Idioms & Phrases

on an adjustable scale
scale it up or down
adjust the scale
sliding scale
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