gradient
Meaning: The degree of steepness of a slope, road, or path, typically expressed as a ratio or percentage; in science, a gradual change in a measurable quantity over distance.
In British English, 'gradient' is the standard term for what Americans might call 'grade' when referring to the steepness of roads and railways. Road signs in Britain display gradients as ratios (e.g. 1:10). In science, gradient describes the rate of change across space — a temperature gradient, pressure gradient, or concentration gradient. In mathematics, the gradient of a line represents its slope on a graph.
Examples
- The gradient of the hill was too steep for most cyclists, with a climb of 1 in 4 near the summit. 这座山的坡度对大多数骑行者来说太陡了,山顶附近的坡度达到1比4。El gradiente de la colina era demasiado pronunciado para la mayoría de los ciclistas, con una subida de 1 en 4 cerca de la cima.その丘の勾配はほとんどのサイクリストにとって急すぎ、頂上付近では4分の1の勾配でした。그 언덕의 경사는 대부분의 자전거 타는 사람들에게 너무 가팔라서, 정상 부근에서는 4분의 1의 경사를 보였습니다.
- The temperature gradient between the surface and the deep ocean drives major oceanic currents. 海面与深海之间的温度梯度驱动着主要的洋流。El gradiente de temperatura entre la superficie y el océano profundo impulsa las principales corrientes oceánicas.海面と深海の間の温度勾配が主要な海流を駆動しています。해수면과 심해 사이의 온도 기울기가 주요 해류를 이끄는 원동력입니다.
- Engineers reduced the gradient of the road by cutting into the hillside and building a series of switchbacks. 工程师通过削切山坡并修建一系列之字形弯道来降低了道路的坡度。Los ingenieros redujeron el gradiente de la carretera excavando en la ladera y construyendo una serie de curvas cerradas.エンジニアたちは山腹を切り崩し、一連のつづら折りを建設することで道路の勾配を緩やかにしました。엔지니어들은 산비탈을 절개하고 일련의 지그재그 도로를 건설하여 도로의 경사를 완만하게 만들었습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin gradiens (stepping, walking), present participle of gradi (to walk, go), from gradus (step, degree). Entered English in the 19th century as a technical term in surveying and engineering.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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