GRADATION
gradation, graduation
(noun) the act of arranging in grades
grade, gradation
(noun) a degree of ablaut
gradation, step
(noun) relative position in a graded series; âalways a step behindâ; âsubtle gradations in colorâ; âkeep in step with the fashionsâ
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
gradation (countable and uncountable, plural gradations)
A sequence of gradual, successive stages; a systematic progression.
A passing by small degrees from one tone or shade, as of color, to another.
Synonym: nuance
The act of gradating or arranging in grades.
Any degree or relative position in an order or series.
(countable) A calibration marking.
(music) A gradual change within one parameter, or an overlapping of two blocks of sound.
(music) A diatonic succession of chords.
(phonetics) Apophony.
Verb
gradation (third-person singular simple present gradations, present participle gradationing, simple past and past participle gradationed)
(transitive) To form with gradations.
Anagrams
• adorating, indagator, tanagroid
Source: Wiktionary
Gra*da"tion, n., Etym: [L. gradatio: cf. F. gradation. See Grade.]
1. The act of progressing by regular steps or orderly arrangement;
the state of being graded or arranged in ranks; as, the gradation of
castes.
2. The act or process of bringing to a certain grade.
3. Any degree or relative position in an order or series.
The several gradations of the intelligent universe. I. Taylor.
4. (Fine Arts)
Definition: A gradual passing from one tint to another or from a darker to
a lighter shade, as in painting or drawing.
6. (Mus.)
Definition: A diatonic ascending or descending succession of chords.
Gra*da"tion, v. t.
Definition: To form with gradations. [R.]
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition