escama
- A scale, typically referring to the small, thin, flat plates that form the outer covering of fish, reptiles, and certain other animals. nounThe fish's escama glistened under the sunlight.Reptiles like snakes and lizards have escamas that protect their skin.
- In a metaphorical sense, it can refer to something that resembles a scale in appearance or function. nounThe escamas of the pine cone were tightly closed.The roof was designed with overlapping tiles that resembled escamas.