Category:Gradation

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)

Defn: A gradual passing from one tint to another or from a darker to a lighter shade, as in painting or drawing.

6. (Mus.)

Defn: A diatonic ascending or descending succession of chords.

gradation Gra*da"tion, v. t.

Defn: To form with gradations. [R.]