Gradino

Gradino is an Italian noun that denotes a step of a staircase or a rung in a ladder. It can also refer more generally to a level, tier, or stage in a sequence or hierarchical structure. The word satisfies both concrete and figurative uses, extending from architecture to daily language.

Etymology-wise, gradino derives from Latin gradus, meaning step or degree, with the diminutive suffix -ino giving the sense of a small step. This lineage explains its broad application to small, discrete increments in various contexts.

In architecture and construction, a gradino is the individual tread of a staircase, defined by its rise (the vertical distance) and going (the horizontal depth). In landscaping, gradini create terraced slopes to enable access and erosion control. The term is also used in interior design and public works to describe steps in platforms, stages, or seating arrangements.

In mathematics and science, gradino is used to describe step-like features. The Italian term for a step function is funzione gradino, referring to a function that changes value in discrete jumps. More broadly, gradino can denote any abrupt transition, plateau, or incremental level within a process or graph.

In everyday language, gradino often appears in phrases about progression or sequencing, such as steps in a procedure, levels of achievement, or stages in a project. Synonyms include scalino and gradino is commonly paired with terms like scala or gradinato to emphasize the stepped nature of an object or concept.