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

• slope
• inclination
• incline

Examples of gradient in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

The first gradient of importance is the difference between skin temperature (93 F) versus the core (98.6 F), a gradient of 5.6 degrees Fahrenheit. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 7 Aug. 2025

Issey Miyake dress made from semi-sheer pleats in a gradient of sorbet tones with a shoulder-engulfing neckline. —Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2025

Previous posts online show stunning Trader Joe’s plumeria flowers ranging from vibrant butter yellow to a striking sunset gradient. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025

The acoustic speaker grilles and floor mats also feature a unique gradient finish inspired by the way the sun fades into the Pacific at twilight. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin gradient-, gradiens, present participle of gradi

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for gradient

• radiant

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