Grad"u*a"tion (?), n. [LL. graduatio promotion to a degree: cf. F. graduation division into degrees.]

1. The act of graduating, or the state of being graduated; as, graduation of a scale; graduation at a college; graduation in color; graduation by evaporation; the graduation of a bird's tail, etc.

2. The marks on an instrument or vessel to indicate degrees or quantity; a scale.

3. The exposure of a liquid in large surfaces to the air, so as to hasten its evaporation.

• the action or process of graduating and receiving a diploma for completing a course of study (such as from an educational institution)
  
• a commencement ceremony
  
• (sciences): a marking (i.e. on a container) indicating a measurement