grade

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the gradient of a slope or road or other surface

   the road had a steep grade

2. 2
   noun

   a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

   a moderate grade of intelligence

3. 3
   noun

   the height of the ground on which something stands

   the base of the tower was below grade

4. 4
   noun

   a relative position or degree of value in a graded group

   lumber of the highest grade

5. 5
   verb

   assign a grade or rank to, according to one's evaluation

   grade tests

6. 6
   noun

   A rating.

   This fine-grade coin from 1837 is worth a good amount.

7. 7
   noun

   Performance on a test or other evaluation(s), expressed by a number, letter, or other symbol; a score.

   He got a good grade on the test.

8. 8
   noun

   A degree or level of something; a position within a scale; a degree of quality.

   There are a lot of varieties of diatomaceous earth, so when you are shopping, be sure to get the right stuff! Make sure that you get food grade diatomaceous earth. Some people make 3% of the food they eat be diatomaceous earth.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French grade (“a grade, degree”), from Latin gradus (“a step, pace, degree”), from Proto-Italic *graðus, from Proto-Indo-European *gʰradʰ-, *gʰredʰ- (“to walk, go”). Doublet of gradus. Cognate with Gothic 𐌲𐍂𐌹𐌸𐍃 (griþs, “step, grade”), Bavarian Gritt (“step, stride”), Lithuanian gri̇̀diju (“to go, wander”).