a. [ L. gradiens, p. pr. of gradi to step, to go. See Grade. ] 1. Moving by steps; walking; as, gradient automata. Wilkins. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Rising or descending by regular degrees of inclination; as, the gradient line of a railroad. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Adapted for walking, as the feet of certain birds. [ 1913 Webster ]

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.