up·grade (ŭp'grād')

v., -grad·ed, -grad·ing, -grades.

v.tr.

1. To raise to a higher grade or standard: upgrading their military defenses.
2. To improve the quality of (livestock) by selective breeding for desired characteristics.
3. Computer Science.
   1. To replace (a software program) with a more recently released, enhanced version.
   2. To replace (a hardware device) with one that provides better performance.

v.intr.

1. To exchange a possession for one of greater value or quality; trade up.
2. Computer Science. To replace software or hardware with an upgrade.

n.

1. The act or an instance of upgrading.
2. Computer Science.
   1. A software program that provides added enhancements over an earlier version.
   2. A hardware device that provides greater performance than an earlier model.
3. An upward incline.

adv. & adj.
Uphill.

idiom:

on the upgrade

1. Improving or progressing.

upgradable up'grad'a·ble adj.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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