Gradient

[Lat. gradiens - gradior, to step, to walk- gradus, a step, a pace.] Moving by steps; walking; as, " gradient automata." ( Wilkins.) - Rising or descending by regular degrees of inclination; as, the gradient line of a canal. -n. A sloping way, line, or path; a grade. (Engineering.) The proportionate ascent or descent on any portion of a line of railroad; thus an inclined plane 4 m. long, with a total fall of 84 ft., is said to have a gradient of 21 ft. in the mile.