Webster's English Dictionary

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gradient

gra.di.ent \'gra-d-e--*nt\ n [L gradient-, gradiens, prp. of gradi] 1a: the 
   rate of regular or graded ascent or descent : INCLINATION  1b: a part 
   sloping upward or downward  2: change in the value of a quantity per unit 
   distance in a specified direc tion {vertical temperature ~} 3: a graded 
   difference in physiological activity along an axis (as of the b ody or an 
   embryonic field)