grad•u•al^*ˈgrædʒ u əl(adj.)

1. taking place, changing, moving, etc., by small degrees or little by little:

   gradual improvement.

2. rising or descending at an even, moderate inclination:

   a gradual slope.

3. (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.)