scale-inhibiting
|scale-in-hib-it-ing|
/ˈskeɪl ɪnˈhɪbɪtɪŋ/
(scale-inhibit)
preventing mineral scale
Etymology
'scale-inhibiting' is a compound of 'scale' + 'inhibiting'. 'scale' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'scealu', where 'scealu' meant 'shell' or 'scale'; 'inhibit' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'inhibere', where 'in-' meant 'in' and 'habere' (formally seen in compounds) meant 'to hold'.
'scale' developed in English from Old English 'scealu' (sense of a flake, shell or crust) into modern 'scale' used for deposits and flakes; 'inhibit' came into English via Latin 'inhibere' (and Old French forms) meaning 'to hold back' and produced the present participle 'inhibiting'; technical English formed the compound 'scale-inhibiting' to describe materials or actions that 'hold back' scale formation.
Initially, the components meant 'shell/flake' (scale) and 'to hold back' (inhibit); combined in modern technical usage they specifically mean 'holding back the formation of mineral deposits' (preventing scale formation).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to prevent or reduce the formation of scale (to act so as to inhibit mineral deposition). (This is the verb form related to the base form 'scale-inhibit'.)
By scale-inhibiting the feedwater, technicians extended the time between cleanings.
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Adjective 1
preventing or reducing the formation of scale (mineral deposits) on surfaces such as pipes, boilers, heat exchangers; used of chemicals, treatments, or properties.
The treatment uses a scale-inhibiting chemical to keep the boiler tubes free of mineral buildup.
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Last updated: 2025/11/20 21:44