gradient

gra·di·ent

noun \ˈgrā-dē-ənt\

Definition of GRADIENT

1

a : the rate of regular or graded ascent or descent : inclination b : a part sloping upward or downward

2

: change in the value of a quantity (as temperature, pressure, or concentration) with change in a given variable and especially per unit distance in a specified direction

3

: the vector sum of the partial derivatives with respect to the three coordinate variables x, y, and z of a scalar quantity whose value varies from point to point

4

: a graded difference in physiological activity along an axis (as of the body or an embryonic field)

5

: change in response with distance from the stimulus

Examples of GRADIENT

1. <the path goes up at a pretty steep gradient before leveling off>

Origin of GRADIENT

Latin gradient-, gradiens, present participle of gradi

First Known Use: 1835

Related to GRADIENT

Synonyms: cant, diagonal, grade, slant, inclination, incline, lean, pitch, rake, slope, tilt, upgrade

Related Words: ascent, bank, climb, rise

Near Antonyms: declension, declination, decline, declivity, descent, dip, downgrade, fall, hang, hanging, receding

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Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum

Rhymes with GRADIENT

radiant