gradient

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

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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: ∇φ
6. A gradual change in color. A color gradient; gradation.

• (slope): hill, incline, ramp, slope
• (in calculus): slope (of a line), angular coefficient

gradient (not comparable)

1. Moving by steps; walking.

   gradient automata

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Wilkins to this entry?)

2. Rising or descending by regular degrees of inclination.

   the gradient line of a railroad

3. Adapted for walking, as the feet of certain birds.

• atreding, derating, e-trading, red giant, redating, treading

From English gradient, from Latin gradiens

gradient m (definite singular gradienten, indefinite plural gradienter, definite plural gradientene)

1. a gradient

• “gradient” in The Bokmål Dictionary.
• “gradient” in Det Norske Akademis ordbok (NAOB).

From English gradient, from Latin gradiens

gradient m (definite singular gradienten, indefinite plural gradientar, definite plural gradientane)

1. a gradient

• “gradient” in The Nynorsk Dictionary.

gradient c

1. (mathematical analysis) gradient; a vector operator