from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Scalene \Sca*lene"\, a. [L. scalenus, Gr. ?: cf. F. scal[`e]ne.]
1. (Geom.)
(a) Having the sides and angles unequal; -- said of a
triangle.
(b) Having the axis inclined to the base, as a cone.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Anat.)
(a) Designating several triangular muscles called scalene
muscles.
(b) Of or pertaining to the scalene muscles.
[1913 Webster]
{Scalene muscles} (Anat.), a group of muscles, usually three
on each side in man, extending from the cervical vertebrae
to the first and second ribs.
[1913 Webster]