n. 1. a. A series of gradual, successive stages or degrees: the gradation of ranks in the army. b. One of these stages or degrees: social gradations. 2. A gradual or barely perceptible change from one tone or shade, as of color, to another. See Synonyms at nuance. 3. The act of gradating or arranging in grades. gra·dation·al adj. gra·dation·al·ly adv. |
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