scales, patterns

I´m just a bit confused what a scale really is:
Is a scale just for example:
1------------4
1------------4
1---------3
1---------3
1---------3
1------------4

ot is this just a pattern, and the pentatonic scale would be when you put the 5 patterns together to one scale over the whole fretboard??? or am i false with this theory.

So if this is right: is knowing these 5 patterns the only way being able to play the scale over the whole fretboard?

It is not a biggy but please don't post multiple messages is different forums, it really clutters the place up

Thanks
S

ok, i´ll won´t do that again, i just realized after posting the topic in the open discussion, that it would fit better in the theory forum.