skjel
Skjel is a Norwegian word that primarily translates to "scale" in English, referring to the small, rigid plates that cover the bodies of many fish, reptiles, and some mammals. These scales serve as a protective outer layer, shielding the animal from injury, parasites, and predators. The type, arrangement, and appearance of scales can vary significantly between species, providing important characteristics for identification. For example, fish scales can be cycloid, ctenoid, ganoid, or placoid, each with a distinct structure and evolutionary history. Reptile scales, often made of keratin, can be smooth or keeled and contribute to water retention.
Beyond its literal meaning, "skjel" can also be used metaphorically in Norwegian to describe a thin, overlapping