gradient
/ˈɡrædɪənt/ · grad·i·ent
noun
- A slope or incline. The gradient of the hill made it difficult to climb.
- A rate of inclination or declination of a slope. The gradient of the roof was calculated to ensure proper water runoff.
- Of a function y = f(x) or the graph of such a function, the rate of change of y with respect to x, that is, the amount by which y changes for a certain (often unit) change in x, equivalently, the inclination to the X axis of the tangent to the curve of the graph. The gradient of the curve indicated a steep increase in velocity.
adjective
- Moving by steps; walking. The gradient automata were designed to mimic human movement.
- Rising or descending by regular degrees of inclination. The gradient line of the railroad was carefully engineered to ensure smooth travel.
- Adapted for walking, as the feet of certain birds. The gradient feet of the ostrich allowed it to move efficiently on land.
Did you know? The concept of a gradient has been used in various fields, including physics, engineering, and computer science, to describe the rate of change of a quantity with respect to another variable.