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 gradient effect, which subtly transitions from a lighter hue at the center to a deeper tone at the edges, adds depth and character to the dial. —Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Reviews and syntheses: Composition and characteristics of burrowing animals along a climate and ecological gradient, Chile Nature Protocols. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024

Usually, the bigger the temperature gradient, the better the thermoelectric generator, but now scientists from Kyushu University in Japan have found a way to harness the relatively low energy available from room temperature, without a gradient at all. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2024

While the summer is all about dewy looks, iridescent blush gradients, and day-to-night wear, the latter half of the year calls for deeper tonal looks of its own. —Akili King, Essence, 19 Sep. 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