The gradualness of growth is a characteristic which strikes the
simplest observer.
H. Drummond.
Grad"u*ate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Graduated (?) p. pr. & vb. n.
Graduating (&?;).] [Cf. F. graduer. See Graduate, n., Grade.]
1. To mark with degrees; to divide into regular steps, grades, or
intervals, as the scale of a thermometer, a scheme of punishment or
rewards, etc.
2. To admit or elevate to a certain grade or degree; esp., in a college
or university, to admit, at the close of the course, to an honorable
standing defined by a diploma; as, he was graduated at Yale College.
3. To prepare gradually; to arrange, temper, or modify by degrees or to
a certain degree; to determine the degrees of; as, to graduate the heat
of an oven.
Dyers advance and graduate their colors with salts.
Browne.
4. (Chem.) To bring to a certain degree of consistency, by evaporation,
as a fluid.
Graduating engine, a dividing engine. See Dividing engine, under
Dividing.
Grad"u*ate, v. i. 1. To pass by degrees; to change gradually; to shade
off; as, sandstone which graduates into gneiss; carnelian sometimes
graduates into quartz.