Definition of "gradient"

A slope or incline.  examples

A rate of inclination or declination of a slope.  quotations  examples

(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.  examples

(sciences) The rate at which a physical quantity increases or decreases relative to change in a given variable, especially distance.  examples

(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  examples

A gradual change in color; a color gradient; gradation.  examples

Moving by steps; walking.  quotations  examples

Rising or descending by regular degrees of inclination.  examples

Adapted for walking, as the feet of certain birds.  examples