noun
Uncommon
gradient
GRAY-dee-uhnt
Gradient (noun) means the steepness or slope of a road, hill, or surface. Example: “The mountain road has a steep gradient near the summit.”
noun
1
The steepness or slope of a road, hill, or surface.
"The mountain road has a steep gradient near the summit."
2
A gradual, smooth transition between two colors or shades.
"The app icon uses a blue-to-purple gradient background."
3
The rate at which a quantity (such as temperature or pressure) changes over distance.
"Scientists measured the temperature gradient across the lake."
How to use gradient
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow steeply or smoothly something changes — used for slopes, color transitions, and rates of change in science and math.
Common pairings
steep gradient
color gradient
temperature gradient
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Word forms
- Plural
- gradients
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The mountain road has a steep _____ near the summit.
Etymology
From Latin gradiens, the present participle of gradior ("to step, to walk").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for gradient
See all rhymes for gradient →Frequently asked questions
What does “gradient” mean?
The word “gradient” means the steepness or slope of a road, hill, or surface. In plain terms, how steeply or smoothly something changes — used for slopes, color transitions, and rates of change in science and math.
How do you pronounce “gradient”?
“Gradient” is pronounced GRAY-dee-uhnt (/ˈɡɹeɪdiənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “gradient” in a sentence?
Here is “gradient” used in a sentence: “The mountain road has a steep gradient near the summit.”
What part of speech is “gradient”?
“Gradient” is a noun.
Where does the word “gradient” come from?
The word “gradient” comes from Latin. From Latin gradiens, the present participle of gradior ("to step, to walk").
Is “gradient” a common word?
“Gradient” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “gradient” have?
“Gradient” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the steepness or slope of a road, hill, or surface.
