What does "gradation" mean?

Gradation: The act or process of bringing to a certain grade.

Additional senses

  1. 2.Any degree or relative position in an order or series. The several gradations of the intelligent universe. I. Taylor.
  2. 3.(Fine Arts) A gradual passing from one tint to another or from a darker to a lighter shade, as in painting or drawing.
  3. 4.(Mus.) A diatonic ascending or descending succession of chords.
  4. 5.To form with gradations. [R.]

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