gradient

noun

gra·​di·​ent ˈgrā-dē-ənt How to pronounce gradient (audio)
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.

Examples of gradient in a Sentence

the path goes up at a pretty steep gradient before leveling off
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By carefully tuning the boiling and condensation points of the internal fluid, a whole bunch of different applications become apparent wherever there's a thermal gradient to cross. New Atlas, 8 Mar. 2025 Drone surveys were deployed to precisely map the fossil’s location high on the craggy cliff face—a precarious perch that posed significant challenges due to its steep gradient and the constant threat of erosion. Scott Travers, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 The difference in their alcohol concentrations creates a surface tension gradient, driving the flow. Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2025 What To Know The high winds are the result of a strong low-pressure system moving through the Great Lakes region, bringing with it a pressure gradient that will generate intense winds from the southwest. Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gradient

Word History

Etymology

Latin gradient-, gradiens, present participle of gradi

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of gradient was in 1835

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gradient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gradient. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

gradient

noun
gra·​di·​ent ˈgrād-ē-ənt How to pronounce gradient (audio)
1
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 How to pronounce gradient (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on gradient

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