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Definition of "gradient" []

  • A rate of inclination; a slope. (noun)
  • An ascending or descending part; an incline. (noun)
  • Physics The rate at which a physical quantity, such as temperature or pressure, increases or decreases relative to change in a given variable, especially distance. (noun)
  • Mathematics A vector having coordinate components that are the partial derivatives of a function with respect to its variables. (noun)
  • Biology A series of progressively increasing or decreasing differences in the growth rate, metabolism, or physiological activity of a cell, organ, or organism. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "gradient" in a sentence
  • "And beneath this gradient is a scale of inborn ability, which is what gives the syllogism its unique potency."
  • "I also think it might look a little strange if the blue-to-red gradient is the same."
  • "(Most commonly however, the word gradient is used as applying to rates of conversion in terms of space.)"