n.
- the amount, level, or extent to which something happens or is present.
- a unit of measurement of angles, equivalent to one ninetieth of a right angle.
(Symbol: °)
- a unit in any of various scales of temperature, intensity, or hardness.
(Symbol: °)
- a stage in a scale or series, in particular:
▸each of a set of grades (usually three) used to classify burns according to their severity.
▸a legal grade of crime, especially murder.
▸a step in direct genealogical descent:
second-degree relatives.
▸Music a position in a musical scale, counting upwards from the tonic or fundamental note.
- an academic rank conferred by a college or university after examination or after completion of a course, or conferred as an honour.
- archaic social or official rank.
Phrase
Etymology
ME: from OFr., based on L. de- ‘down’ + gradus ‘grade’.