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| gra·da·tion [ gray dáysh'n ] (plural gra·da·tions) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. series of degrees: a series of gradual and progressive degrees, steps, or stages
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2. single degree: a degree, step, or stage in a gradual progression
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3. discrete arrangement: the arrangement of something according to size, rank, or quality
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4. color change: the gradual and progressive change from one color or tone to another
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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
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6. geography leveling of land: the process of leveling land by erosion or deposition of sediment
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| [Late 16th century. Directly or via French< Latin gradation- "making steps" < gradus "step, stage"] |
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  gra·da·tion·al adjective |
| gra·da·tion·al·ly adverb |
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