: change in the value of a quantity (such 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)
Did you know?
Any slope can be called a gradient. In the interstate highway system, the maximum gradient is 6 percent; in other words, the highway may never ascend more than 6 vertical feet over a distance of 100 feet. Any rate of change that's shown on a graph may have a sloped gradient. Suppose the graph's horizontal axis shows the passage of time and its vertical axis shows some activity; if the activity is happening very fast, then the gradient of the line on the graph will be steep, but if it's slow the gradient will be gentle, or gradual.
the path goes up at a pretty steep gradient before leveling off
Recent Examples on the WebArrange the leaves randomly, in a pattern, or in a gradient, then pin them to the canvas for an elegant fall addition to any room. Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2022 To make the color work on fairer complexions, go with a lighter gradient of the shade. Elle Turner, Glamour, 29 Aug. 2022 In just a few minutes' time, travelers climb to 396 meters (1,300 feet) above sea level, with a maximum gradient of 25.7 degrees. Lilit Marcus, CNN, 26 Aug. 2022 For now, the birch wood, representing serenity and the strata of rock, contrasted with a soft gradient of blue resin, is his signature, gently blurring the boundaries between furniture and art. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2022 This season, that takes form with a gradient of pinks and princess blues that often coordinate with her wardrobe and hair. Martine Thompson, Harper's BAZAAR, 27 July 2022 In the guidelines, steep hillsides have a gradient of at least 25% and a vertical elevation of at least 50 feet. Brett Milligan, The Conversation, 13 July 2022 First up is Jodie Turner-Smith, who provided a knockout arrival, strutting through the airport in a flowy two-piece suit that featured a yellow-to-pink gradient. André-naquian Wheeler, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2022 The skirt featured a cobalt blue gradient toward the hem, adding an electric visual to the outfit. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 29 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Latin gradient-, gradiens, present participle of gradi