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’.