gradation

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)A sequence of gradual, successive stages; a systematic progression.
2. (countable, uncountable)A passing by small degrees from one tone or shade, as of color, to another.

   “A decade ago, the British department-store chain John Lewis built itself a long warehouse, painted in gradations of sky blue.”

3. (countable, uncountable)The act of gradating or arranging in grades.
4. (countable, uncountable)Any degree or relative position in an order or series.

   “the several gradations of the intelligent universe”

   “Two distinct types of lupus erythematosus are recognized: [1] chronic or discoid, which is essentially a skin lesion, and [2] severe systemic, designated as acute. Between the two types are many gradations to which the term subacute has been applied.”

5. (countable)A calibration marking.
6. (countable, uncountable)A gradual change within one parameter, or an overlapping of two blocks of sound.
7. (countable, uncountable)A diatonic succession of chords.
8. (countable, uncountable)Ablaut.

verb

1. (transitive)To form with gradations.