'Gradient' definitions:

Definition of 'gradient'

noun

A graded change in the magnitude of some physical quantity or dimension

noun

The property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the horizontal; "a five-degree gradient" [syn: gradient, slope]

From: GCIDE

Gradient \Gra"di*ent\, a. [L. gradiens, p. pr. of gradi to step, to go. See Grade.]
1. Moving by steps; walking; as, gradient automata. --Wilkins. [1913 Webster]
2. Rising or descending by regular degrees of inclination; as, the gradient line of a railroad. [1913 Webster]
3. Adapted for walking, as the feet of certain birds. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Gradient \Gra"di*ent\, n.
1. The rate of regular or graded ascent or descent in a road; grade. [1913 Webster]
2. A part of a road which slopes upward or downward; a portion of a way not level; a grade. [1913 Webster]
3. The rate of increase or decrease of a variable magnitude, or the curve which represents it; as, a thermometric gradient.
4. (Chem., Biochem.) The variation of the concentration of a chemical substance in solution through some linear path; also called concentration gradient; -- usually measured in concentration units per unit distance. Concentration gradients are created naturally, e.g. by the diffusion of a substance from a point of high concentration toward regions of lower concentration within a body of liquid; in laboratory techniques they may be made artificially. [PJC]
gradient maker (Biochem.) a device which creates a concentration gradient in a solution within some apparatus; -- used, e. g., for separation of biochemical substances. [PJC]
Gradient post, a post or stake indicating by its height or by marks on it the grade of a railroad, highway, or embankment, etc., at that spot. Gradin

From: GCIDE

del \del\ n. (Math.) a differential operator which, operating on a function of several variables, gives the sum of the partial derivatives of the function with respect to the three orthogonal spatial coordinates; -- also called the gradient or grad. It is represented by an inverted Greek capital delta ([nabla]), and is thus because of its shape also called nabla, meaning harp in Hebrew. [PJC]