Definition of gradation

• n. - The act of progressing by regular steps or orderly arrangement; the state of being graded or arranged in ranks; as, the gradation of castes.
• n. - The act or process of bringing to a certain grade.
• n. - Any degree or relative position in an order or series.
• n. - A gradual passing from one tint to another or from a darker to a lighter shade, as in painting or drawing.
• n. - A diatonic ascending or descending succession of chords.
• v. t. - To form with gradations.