gradation

gradation is defined in Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1913) with 5 senses. The full text of each entry is reproduced verbatim below.

Definitions

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

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

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