gradate
1 of 2verb
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
Lois Long2
: to dispose or arrange in or into steps, grades, or ranks
gradate
2 of 2adjective
"
: 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