1. the process or result of gradual transition between two distinct forms, species, or categories, with intermediate stages showing characteristics of both
Usage: commonly used in biology and evolutionary contexts; can also apply to cultural, linguistic, or geographical transitions

Examples

• The intergradation between the two bird subspecies makes it difficult to classify individuals found in the overlap zone.
• Linguists observed intergradation in dialect features across the region, with no sharp boundaries between speech patterns.
• The intergradation of colors in the sunset created a beautiful spectrum from orange to purple.
• Evolutionary biologists study intergradation to understand how species diverge over time.
• The intergradation between temperate and tropical climates produces unique ecosystems at the boundary.