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gradation

gra·da·tion [ gray dáysh'n ] (plural gra·da·tions)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. series of degrees: a series of gradual and progressive degrees, steps, or stages

2. single degree: a degree, step, or stage in a gradual progression

3. discrete arrangement: the arrangement of something according to size, rank, or quality

4. color change: the gradual and progressive change from one color or tone to another

5. phonetics vowel change: a change in the length or quality of a vowel within a word, signifying a change in function such as tense or number

6. geography leveling of land: the process of leveling land by erosion or deposition of sediment

[Late 16th century. Directly or via French< Latin gradation- "making steps" < gradus "step, stage"]

gra·da·tion·al adjective
gra·da·tion·al·ly adverb
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