Gra"di*ent , n.
1. The rate
of regular or graded ascent or descent in
a road; grade.
2. A part of a road which
slopes upward or downward; a portion of a
way not level; a grade.
3. The rate of increase or decrease of a
variable magnitude, or the curve
which represents it; as, a thermometric gradient.
Gradient post, a post or stake indicating by its height or
by marks on it
the grade of a railroad, highway, or embankment, etc., at that spot.
Gra"di*ent (?), a. [L. gradiens, p. pr. of gradi to step, to go. See Grade.]
1. Moving by steps; walking; as, gradient
automata. Wilkins.
2. Rising or descending by regular degrees of inclination; as, the gradient line of a railroad.
3.
Adapted for walking, as the feet of certain birds.
Hear it pronounced