squama

scale (of fish or reptile); flake

noun SKWAH-mah Rare

Origin: Latin squama (scale).

Usage Note

Squama (plural squame) refers to a single scale of a fish, reptile, or a flake of skin. It is a precise biological and medical term; in everyday speech scaglia is more common for fish scales. The plural squame follows the regular feminine pattern (-a → -e).

Examples

"Le squame del serpente brillano al sole."

Natural Translation

The snake's scales shine in the sun.

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