<p><strong>Noun:</strong></p><ul><li>Gradation<ul><li>Any process or change taking place through a series of stages, by degrees, or in a gradual manner.</li><li>A stage, degree, or grade in such a series.</li><li>The passing of one tint or shade of color to another, or one surface to another, by very small degrees, as in painting or sculpture.</li><li>The act of grading.</li><li>Ablaut.</li><li>Geology: the leveling of a land surface, resulting from the concerted action of erosion and deposition.</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>End of Response</strong></p>