gradient

Etymology

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

noun

1. A slope or incline.
2. A rate of inclination or declination of a slope.
3. (calculus, of a function) The ratio of the rates of change of a dependent variable and an independent variable, the slope of a curve's tangent.
4. (sciences) The rate at which a physical quantity increases or decreases relative to change in a given variable, especially distance.
5. (calculus) 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.

adj

1. Moving by steps; walking.
   movable and 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.