gra·da·tion /greˈdeʃən, grə-/
 分等級,階級,順序
 Gra·da·tion n.,
 1. The act of progressing by regular steps or orderly arrangement; the state of being graded or arranged in ranks; as, the gradation of castes.
 2. The act or process of bringing to a certain grade.
 3. Any degree or relative position in an order or series.
    The several gradations of the intelligent universe.   --I. Taylor.
 4. Fine Arts A gradual passing from one tint to another or from a darker to a lighter shade, as in painting or drawing.
 6. Mus. A diatonic ascending or descending succession of chords.
 Gra·da·tion, v. t. To form with gradations. [R.]
 ◄ ►
 gradation
      n 1: relative position in a graded series; "always a step
           behind"; "subtle gradations in color"; "keep in step
           with the fashions" [syn: step]
      2: a degree of ablaut [syn: grade]
      3: the act of arranging in grades [syn: graduation]