gradus

/ˈɡreɪdəs/
noun
  1. A step or degree in a scale, especially in a sequence or progression.
    • Each gradus of the ladder brought him closer to the top.
    • In the gradus of the competition, she advanced from local to national level.
    • The musician practiced each gradus of the scale slowly.
  2. A book or guide that helps with writing Latin or Greek verse, especially by listing words and their quantities.
    • Her old gradus was filled with notes on ancient poetry.
    • The library had a rare gradus from the 18th century.
    • The student used a gradus to find the correct meter for his Latin poem.