GRAD'UAL,adjective Proceeding by steps or degrees; advancing step by step; passing from one step to another; regular and slow; as a gradual increase of knowledge; a gradual increase of light in the morning is favorable to the eyes. 1. Proceeding by degrees in a descending line or progress; as a gradual decline.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI