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

At just 265 meters long but climbing a steep 17 percent gradient, the Glória Funicular saves passengers a challenging uphill walk in only about three minutes. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025

The Chinese team developed a material that exploits this gradient to produce electricity. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2025

The Submersible Marina Militare (PAM01697) and the Submersible Marina CarbotechTM (PAM01698) both take design cues from the flight gear and helmets of the Aviazione Navale, showcasing matching matte green dials with a black gradient finish. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2025

These components produce a potential in the presence of a temperature gradient (via what’s known as the Seebeck effect). —IEEE Spectrum, 25 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