gradient: Meaning and Definition of

gra•di•ent

1. the degree of inclination, or the rate of ascent or descent, in a highway, railroad, etc.
2. an inclined surface; grade; ramp.
1. the rate of change with respect to distance of a variable quantity, as temperature or pressure, in the direction of maximum change.
2. a curve representing such a rate of change.
4. a differential operator that, operating upon a function of several variables, results in a vector the coordinates of which are the partial derivatives of the function. Abbr.: grad. Symbol: ▿

1. rising or descending by regular degrees of inclination.
2. progressing by walking; stepping with the feet as animals do.
3. of a type suitable for walking or running, as the feet of certain birds; gressorial.