grade

grade [grād]

n.

[Fr < L gradus, a step, degree, rank < gradi, to step, walk < IE base * ghredh-, to stride > Goth griths, step]

1. any of the stages in an orderly, systematic progression; step; degree

2.

a) a degree or rating in a scale classifying according to quality, rank, worth, intensity, etc.: often in hyphenated compounds [grade A eggs, weapons-grade plutonium]

b) any of the official ranks or ratings of officers or enlisted men [an army colonel and a navy captain are in grade O-6]

c) an accepted standard or level [up to grade]

d) a group of people of the same rank, merit, worth, etc.

☆ 3.

a) the degree of rise or descent of a sloping surface, as of a highway, railroad, etc.

b) such a sloping surface

4. the ground level around a building

5.

☆ a) any of the divisions in a school curriculum usually equal to one year; most systems in the U.S. include twelve grades after the kindergarten

b) a group of pupils forming such a division in a school

☆ 6. a mark or rating on an examination, in a school course, etc.

☆ 7. Animal Husbandry an animal with one parent of pure breed

8. Linguis. any of the various forms in which a vowel may appear in grammatically or etymologically related forms as a result of gradation

vt.

graded, grading

1. to arrange or classify by grades; rate according to quality, rank, worth, etc.; sort

2. to give a GRADE (sense 6) to

3. to gradate

☆ 4. to level or slope (ground, a road, etc.) evenly

☆ 5. Animal Husbandry to improve by crossing with a pure breed: often with up

vi.

1. to assume an indicated rank or position in a series; be of a certain grade

2. to change gradually; go through a series of stages

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☆ at grade

on the same level

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☆ make the grade

1. to get to the top of a steep incline

2. to overcome obstacles and succeed

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☆ the grades

elementary school