Main Entry: gra·da·tion

Pronunciation: \grā-ˈdā-shən, grə-\

Function: noun

Date: 1549

1 a : a series forming successive stages b : a step or place in an ordered scale
2 : an advance by regular degrees
3 : a gradual passing from one tint or shade to another
4 : the act or process of grading
5 : ablaut

— gra·da·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

— gra·da·tion·al·ly adverb