gradient
gradients
The gradient of a surface is its slope. If you're a daredevil and you're looking for a road to fly down on your skateboard, you'll want to find one with a fairly steep gradient.
In mathematics, the gradient tells you how steep a line in a graph is. In physics, when you say gradient, you're talking about how quickly something changes from one point to another. The word comes ultimately from the Latin gradus "step," and a gradient gives you a measure of the "steps" by which something changes.
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a graded change in the magnitude of some physical quantity or dimension
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types:
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concentration gradient
a gradient in concentration of a solute as a function of distance through a solution
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gravity gradient
a gradient in the gravitational forces acting on different parts of a nonspherical object
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temperature gradient
change in temperature as a function of distance (especially altitude)
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type of:
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change
a relational difference between states; especially between states before and after some event
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concentration gradient
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the property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the horizontal“a five-degree gradient”
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synonyms:
slope
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types:
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grade
the gradient of a slope or road or other surface
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pitch, rake, slant
degree of deviation from a horizontal plane
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abruptness, precipitousness, steepness
the property possessed by a slope that is very steep
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gentleness, gradualness
the property possessed by a slope that is very gradual
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rise, rising slope, upgrade
the property possessed by a slope or surface that rises
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downgrade
the property possessed by a slope or surface that descends
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loft
(golf) the backward slant on the head of some golf clubs that is designed to drive the ball high in the air
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type of:
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position, spatial relation
the spatial property of a place where or way in which something is situated
Vocabulary lists containing gradient
Adapted for young readers, this nonfiction work documents Dr. Paul Farmer's mission to improve health outcomes around the world.
Emilia, a field hockey star with Ivy League dreams, tries to keep her virtual identity hidden when a member of a rival team recognizes her during an esports tournament.
In 29 essays, physician, etymologist, poet, educator, and researcher Lewis Thomas covers a range of topics to illustrate his theme that all living things, including the Earth itself, are interconnected and interdependent.
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