noun

1. A slope or incline.

2. A rate of inclination or declination of a slope.

3. 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.

Synonyms: angular, coefficient, slope, hill, incline, ramp, slope

adjective

1. Moving by steps; walking.

   “gradient automata”

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.