From a construction glossary
Grade Level
Flat or sloping surface, the ground elevation, upon which a building is built.
Grade
1. A rating in a scale to classifying according to rank, quality, degree, etc.
2. The ground level around a building.
3. The degree or rise of a sloping surface.
4. To change the original slope of ground to prepare for paving or for drainage purposes.
5. A method of classifying the quality of building materials, such as lumber.
