gradient

noun

gra·​di·​ent ˈgrā-dē-ənt 

1

a

: the rate of regular or graded (see grade entry 2 sense transitive 2) ascent or descent : inclination

b

: a part sloping upward or downward

2

: 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.

Synonyms

• cant
• diagonal
• grade
• inclination
• incline
• lean
• pitch
• rake
• slant
• slope
• upgrade

Examples of gradient in a Sentence

the path goes up at a pretty steep gradient before leveling off

Recent Examples on the Web

The collection also included pieces replicating the effects of waves on the sand and sea, dresses that played with a gradient of pearls (some sculpted with a heat gun) and a process fusing organza with 3D printing and lace. —Alice Pfieffer, CNN, 1 July 2024

Six days after being moved into the thermal gradient habitat, the 20 frogs tested had an average infection intensity of zero. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 26 June 2024

The dark gray frame is part of the artwork that shows 12 different squares layered on top of each other, using light and dark shades of gray to create an optical illusion inspired by Mach Bands, a gradient effect named after physicist Ernst Mach. —Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 24 June 2024

The gradient creates a subtle transition to the rest of the glass. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin gradient-, gradiens, present participle of gradi

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

gradient

noun

gra·​di·​ent ˈgrād-ē-ənt 

1

: slope entry 3 sense 2, grade

2

: a continuous graded change in measure, activity, or substance

vertical temperature gradient in a lake

a gradient in developmental activity in a seedling

Medical Definition

gradient

noun

gra·​di·​ent ˈgrād-ē-ənt 

1

: change in the value of a quantity (as temperature, pressure, or concentration) with change in a given variable and especially per unit on a linear scale

2

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

3

usually gradient of effect : change in response with distance from the stimulus