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gradations

 - 3 dictionary results

gra⋅da⋅tion

  [grey-dey-shuhn]
Use gradations in a Sentence
–noun
1. any process or change taking place through a series of stages, by degrees, or in a gradual manner.
2. a stage, degree, or grade in such a series.
3. the passing of one tint or shade of color to another, or one surface to another, by very small degrees, as in painting or sculpture.
4. the act of grading.
5. ablaut.
6. Geology. the leveling of a land surface, resulting from the concerted action of erosion and deposition.
Origin:
1530–40; < L gradātiōn- (s. of gradātiō). See grade, -ation

Related forms:
gra⋅da⋅tion⋅al, adjective
gra⋅da⋅tion⋅al⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To gradations
gra·da·tion   (grā-dā'shən)   
n.  

    1. A series of gradual, successive stages; a systematic progression.

    2. A degree or stage in such a progression.

  2. A passing by barely perceptible degrees from one tone or shade, as of color, to another. See Synonyms at nuance.

  3. The act of gradating or arranging in grades.

  4. Linguistics See ablaut.


[Latin gradātiō, gradātiōn-, from gradus, step; see grade.]
gra·da'tion·al adj., gra·da'tion·al·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

gradation 
1538, from L. gradationem (nom. gradatio) "ascent by steps, climax," from gradus "step, degree" (see grade).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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