gradient

noun gra·di·ent \ˈgrā-dē-ənt\

: a place where the ground slopes up or down

Full Definition of GRADIENT

a : the rate of regular or graded ascent or descent : inclination

b : a part sloping upward or downward

: change in the value of a quantity (as temperature, pressure, or concentration) with change in a given variable and especially per unit distance in a specified direction

: 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

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

: change in response with distance from the stimulus

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Origin of GRADIENT

Latin gradient-, gradiens, present participle of gradi

First Known Use: 1835

Related to GRADIENT

Synonyms: cant, diagonal, grade, slant, inclination, incline, lean, pitch, rake, slope, tilt, upgrade

Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum

Rhymes with GRADIENT

radiant

Medical Dictionary

gradient

noun gra·di·ent \ˈgrād-ē-ənt\

Medical Definition of GRADIENT

: 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

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

: change in response with distance from the stimulus