increasing-grade
|in-creas-ing-grade|
/ɪnˈkriːsɪŋ-ɡreɪd/
rising slope / increasing level
Etymology
'increasing-grade' originates from Modern English compounds, specifically formed from 'increasing' and 'grade', where 'increasing' derives from Latin 'increscere' meaning 'to grow' and 'grade' from Latin 'gradus' meaning 'step' or 'degree'.
'increasing' developed from Old French and Middle English forms of 'increase' (from Old French encreistre/encreistre, ultimately from Latin 'increscere'), while 'grade' entered English via Old French 'grade' from Latin 'gradus'; the two elements were later combined in technical and descriptive English to form compounds such as 'increasing grade'.
Initially the elements referred separately to 'growing' and 'a step/degree'; over time the compound came to be used specifically for a 'slope or level that becomes progressively higher' in engineering and route descriptions.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a stretch or part of a route characterized by a grade that increases progressively.
Maintaining speed on the increasing-grade was difficult for older vehicles.
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Adjective 1
describing a slope or incline that becomes progressively steeper; having a grade that increases.
The truck slowed on the increasing-grade section of the highway.
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Last updated: 2025/10/05 03:25