Wordnet 3.0
VERB (2)
1.
arrange according to grades;
- Example: "These lines are gradated"2.
pass imperceptibly from one degree, shade, or tone into another;
- Example: "The paint on these walls gradates but you don't see it"
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Gradate \Gra"date\, v. t. [See Grade.]
1. To grade or arrange (parts in a whole, colors in painting,
etc.), so that they shall harmonize.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Chem.) To bring to a certain strength or grade of
concentration; as, to gradate a saline solution.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
gradate
v 1: arrange according to grades; "These lines are gradated"
2: pass imperceptibly from one degree, shade, or tone into
another; "The paint on these walls gradates but you don't see
it"