What is it? Set 367

As I use a scale rule every day, I was very careful when I used the word 'ruler' as I knew it would be picked on whatever I called it.

If somebody could direct me to any information that disproves that 'ruler' is as correct if not more so than both 'scale' or 'rule', I will stand corrected. :o)

All I can dig up is-

rule vs ruler, one just measures and the other is a straightedge that may measure (not so sure), one has the measuring marks starting at the end and the other has the marks starting inside the edge (seems more likely).

I think 'scale' could apply to either, just meaning it is used to translate from one scale to another (real/scale, scale 1 to scale 2)

Dave

A "ruler" is that plastic or wood thing they made us buy in elementary school, usually a foot long, with a straight edge, and calibrations, typically in inches and fractions, and sometimes centimeters as an afterthought. ;-)

Hope This Helps! Rich

David wrote the following:

A Google search on 'ruler' yields about 26,400,000 results, the first page of which is all about the measuring tool.

The Online Etymology Dictionary (and other sources) specify that a 'ruler' is a strip for making straight (or 'ruled') lines (parenthesis mine)...so traditionally a 'ruler' was a straightedge, while a 'scale' is a device with lines for measuring distance. The thing we use in school is technically a 'scale ruler', however everyone just calls it a ruler.

What is it called when a Nun uses it as a weapon for cracking knuckles? :-)

Heavenly intervention??

Abuse?

Its for putting over the cooling water inlets on an outboard motor when trsting it out of the water. You put a cold water hose on the side and turn on a tap. it themn fills the water cooling chambers like when it in the waster.

You are of course correct ( I have on at home), but I think the answer was posted some time back.