a particular level of rank, quality, proficiency, or value

sea salt is usually available in coarse or fine grades

high-grade steel

a mark indicating the quality of a student's work

I got good grades last semester

a gradient or slope

just over the crest of a long seven per cent grade

a variety of cattle produced by crossing with a superior breed

grade stock

arrange in or allocate to grades; classify or sort

the timber is graded according to its thickness

give a mark to (a student or a piece of work)

pass gradually from one level, especially a shade of colour, into another

the sky graded from blue at the top of the shot to white on the horizon

reduce (a road) to an easy gradient

cross (livestock) with a superior breed