Gradual
WordNet
adjective
(1) Proceeding in small stages
"A gradual increase in prices"
(2) (of a topographical gradient) not steep or abrupt
"A gradual slope"
noun
(3) (Roman Catholic Church) an antiphon (usually from the Book of Psalms) immediately after the epistle at Mass
WiktionaryText
Etymology
, from , from .
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.
Noun
- An antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps.
- A service book containing the musical portions of the Mass.
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Noun
- gradual