GRADIENT

Gradient

In mathematics, the gradient is a generalization of the usual concept of derivative to the functions of several variables. If is a differentiable function of several variables, also called "scalar field", its gradient is the vector of the n partial derivatives of f. It is thus a vector-valued function also called vector field.

The above text is a snippet from Wikipedia: Gradient
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

gradient

Noun

  1. A slope or incline.
  2. A rate of inclination or declination of a slope.
  3. Of a function y = f(x) or the graph of such a function, the rate of change of y with respect to x, that is, the amount by which y changes for a certain (often unit) change in x.
  4. The rate at which a physical quantity increases or decreases relative to change in a given variable, especially distance.
  5. A vector operator that maps each value of a scalar field to a vector equal to the greatest rate of change of the scalar. Notation for a scalar field φ: <math>\nabla</math>φ

Adjective

  1. Moving by steps; walking.
    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.


The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: gradient
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

Need help with a clue?
Try your search in the crossword dictionary!