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Definition gradient

Etymology

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

Noun

gradient (plural gradients)

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 equivalently, the inclination to the X axis of the tangent to the curve of the graph.
4. (sciences) The rate at which a physical quantity increases or decreases relative to change in a given variable, especially distance.
5. (mathematical 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
6. A gradual change in color. A color gradient; gradation.