Definition of: graduate

(graj′·āt) v. ·at·ed, ·at·ing v.t.
1. To grant a diploma or degree to upon completion of a course of study, as at a college.
2. To mark in units or degrees, as a thermometer scale; calibrate.
3. To arrange into grades or divisions, as according to size or quality.
—v.i.
4. To receive a diploma or degree upon completion of a course of study.
5. To change by degrees.
—noun (graj′·it)
1. One who has been graduated by an institution of learning, or who has completed any prescribed academic or professional course.
2. A graduated vessel used in measuring liquids, etc.
—adjective (graj′·it)
1. Holding a bachelor's degree: a graduate student.
2. Designed for or pertaining to graduate students: a graduate school. [<Med. L graduatus, pp. of graduare <L gradus step, degree]
—grad′u·a′tor noun