Definitions for Gradualˈgrædʒ u əl

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

grad•u•al^*ˈgrædʒ u əl(adj.)

taking place, changing, moving, etc., by small degrees or little by little:
gradual improvement.
rising or descending at an even, moderate inclination:
a gradual slope.
(n.)an antiphon sung between the Epistle and the Gospel in the Eucharistic service. a book containing the words and music of the parts of the liturgy that are sung by the choir.
Category: Religion

^* Syn: See slow.

Origin of gradual:

1375–1425; late ME < ML graduālis pertaining to steps, graduāle the part of the service sung as the choir stood on the altar steps = L gradu(s) step, grade+-ālis -al1

grad′u•al•ness(n.)

Princeton's WordNet

gradual(adj)
(Roman Catholic Church) an antiphon (usually from the Book of Psalms) immediately after the epistle at Mass
gradual(adj)
proceeding in small stages
"a gradual increase in prices"
gradual(adj)
(of a topographical gradient) not steep or abrupt
"a gradual slope"

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

gradual(adjective)ˈgrædʒ u əl
≠ rapid
a gradual improvement in her condition

Wiktionary

gradual(Noun)
An antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps.
gradual(Noun)
A service book containing the musical portions of the Mass.
gradual(Adjective)
Proceeding by steps or small degrees; advancing step by step, as in ascent or descent or from one state to another; regularly progressive; slow; as, a gradual increase of knowledge; a gradual decline.

Origin: From gradualis, from gradus, from gʰradʰ-. Cognate with 03320342033903380343, Gritt.

Webster Dictionary

Gradual(noun)
proceeding by steps or degrees; advancing, step by step, as in ascent or descent or from one state to another; regularly progressive; slow; as, a gradual increase of knowledge; a gradual decline
Gradual(noun)
an antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps
Gradual(noun)
a service book containing the musical portions of the Mass
Gradual(noun)
a series of steps