noun
- Motor oils formulated to meet viscosity requirements across a wide range of temperatures, typically designated by two numbers (e.g., 10W-40).
Usage: automotive; plural form of multigrade
Examples
- Most modern vehicles use multigrades because they perform well in both cold and hot conditions.
- The mechanic recommended switching to multigrades for better engine protection year-round.
- Multigrades with a 5W-30 rating are common in many passenger cars.
- Unlike monograde oils, multigrades maintain consistent viscosity across temperature extremes.
- The owner's manual specified which multigrades were approved for that engine model.