I. ˈgrāˌdāt, ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷, grəˈd- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: back-formation from gradation
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
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin gradatus furnished with steps, from gradus step, degree + -atus -ate
: 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