Gradient

Pronunciation

Origin

From Latin gradiens, present participle of gradior ("to step, to walk")

Full definition of gradient

Noun

1. A slope or incline.
2. A rate of inclination or declination of a slope.
3. (calculus) Of a function y = f(x) or the graph of such a function, the rate of change of y with respect to x, that is, the amount by which y changes for a certain (often unit) change in x.
4. (physics) The rate at which a physical quantity increases or decreases relative to change in a given variable, especially distance.
5. (analysis) A differential operator that maps each point of a scalar field to a vector pointed in the direction of the greatest rate of change of the scalar. Notation for a scalar field φ: ∇φ

Synonyms

• (slope) hill, incline, ramp, slope
• (in calculus) slope (of a line)

Derived terms

• gradient wind
• supergradient
• temperature gradient

Adjective

1. Moving by steps; walking.gradient automata
2. Rising or descending by regular degrees of inclination.the gradient line of a railroad
3. Adapted for walking, as the feet of certain birds.

Anagrams

• derating
• redating
• red giant
• treading