from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Gradient \Gra"di*ent\, n.
1. The rate of regular or graded ascent or descent in a road;
grade.
[1913 Webster]
2. A part of a road which slopes upward or downward; a
portion of a way not level; a grade.
[1913 Webster]
3. The rate of increase or decrease of a variable magnitude,
or the curve which represents it; as, a thermometric
gradient.
4. (Chem., Biochem.) The variation of the concentration of a
chemical substance in solution through some linear path;
also called concentration gradient; -- usually measured in
concentration units per unit distance. Concentration
gradients are created naturally, e.g. by the diffusion of
a substance from a point of high concentration toward
regions of lower concentration within a body of liquid; in
laboratory techniques they may be made artificially.
[PJC]
{gradient maker} (Biochem.) a device which creates a
concentration gradient in a solution within some
apparatus; -- used, e. g., for separation of biochemical
substances.
[PJC]
{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. Gradin