1 gradate | Definition of gradate

gradate

verb
gra·​date | \ ˈgrāˌdāt, grəˈd-\
-ed/-ing/-s

Definition of gradate

 (Entry 1 of 2)

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

adjective
\ "\

Definition of gradate (Entry 2 of 2)

: 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

History and Etymology for gradate

Verb

back-formation from gradation

Adjective

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on gradate

Britannica English: Translation of gradate for Arabic Speakers