* * *
1. Basis of the former temperature scale in which 100 degrees separated the melting and boiling points of water. See Celsius scale. 2. One hundredth of a circle, equal to 3.6° of the astronomical circle. [L. centum, one hundred, + gradus, step, degree]
* * *
cen·ti·grade 'sent-ə-.grād, 'sänt- adj relating to, conforming to, or having a thermometer scale on which the interval between the freezing and boiling points of water is divided into 100 degrees with 0° representing the freezing point and 100° the boiling point <10° \centigrade> abbr. C compare CELSIUS
* * *
cen·ti·grade (senґtĭ-grād) [centi- + L. gradus a step] consisting of or having 100 gradations (steps or degrees); see under scale.Medical dictionary. 2011.