دَرَجَةٌ

A single stair, or step, of a series of stairs or of a ladder; one of the دَرَج of a سُلَّم: (Mgh:) and hence, by a synecdoche, (Mgh,) a series of stairs, or a ladder, (S, A, Mgh, Msb, K, TA,) constructed of wood or of clay [&c.] against a wall or the like, (Mgh,) by which one ascends to the roof of a house; (TA;) as also ↓ دُرَجَةٌ (S, K) and ↓ دُرْجَةٌ and ↓ دُرَجَّةٌ and ↓ أَدْرُجَّةٌ: (K:) the plural of the first is ↓ دَرَجٌ, (S,) or [rather] دَرَجَةٌ [has for its proper plural دَرَجَاتٌ, and] is n. un. of دَرَجٌ like as قَصَبَةٌ is of قَصَبٌ. (Msb.) ↓ دَرَجٌ and دَرَجَاتٌ also signify Stages upwards: opposed to دَرَكٌ and دَرَكَاتٌ: and hence دَرَجَاتٌ is used in relation to Paradise; and دَرَكَاتٌ, in relation to Hell. (B voce دَرَكٌ, q. v.)

A degree in progress and the like: you say دَرَجَةً دَرَجَةً By degrees; gradually. (TA.)

(tropical:) A degree, grade, or order, of rank or dignity: (S, A, K: *) degree, grade, rank, condition, or station: and exalted, or high, grade &c.: (TA:) plural دَرَجَاتٌ. (S, K, TA.)

[A degree of a circle:] a thirtieth part of a sign of the Zodiac: (TA:) [plural دَرَجَاتٌ.]

[A degree, i. e. four minutes, of time: plural دَرَجَاتٌ.]