gradate

1 of 2

verb

gra·​date

ˈgrāˌdāt

grəˈd-

-ed/-ing/-s

intransitive verb

: to shade insensibly into another (as of a color) or each other (as of colors) : shade off : blend

transitive verb

1

: to cause (a color or colors) to gradate

many layers of sheer material in gradated colors

—Lois Long

2

: to dispose or arrange in or into steps, grades, or ranks

gradate

2 of 2

adjective

"

: occurring in or characterized by a serial arrangement with nearly equal variation between adjacent members : having a gradient or exhibiting gradation

a gradate shell with regularly increasing whorls

gradate maturation of fern sori

a gradate butterfly wing shading from deepest blue to pale yellow

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from gradation

Adjective

Latin gradatus furnished with steps, from gradus step, degree + -atus -ate

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!