gra|di|ent

gra|di|ent «GRAY dee uhnt», noun, adjective.

–n.

1. the rate at which a road, railroad track, river channel, or other slope goes upward or downward.

2. the sloping part of a road, railroad track, river channel, or other grade. SYNONYM(S): incline, slope, inclination.

3. a) the rate at which a variable quantity, such as temperature or pressure, changes in value. b) the curve that represents this rate.

–adj.

1. going up or down gradually. SYNONYM(S): sloping, slant.

2. a) progressing by taking steps with the feet, as an animal does; walking; ambulant. b) modified for walking or running, as the feet of various birds are; gressorial.

╂[< Latin gradiēns, -entis, present participle of gradī walk, go, related to gradus, -ūs step]