Gradient (noun)

1. The rate of change of a variable with respect to another variable.
2. A gradual change in the value of a quantity.
3. A slope or incline.
4. A vector field that represents the local rate of change of a scalar field.

Origin:

From latin gradiens, present participle of gradi, meaning to step or to go.

Examples:

1. The gradient of the curve at this point is steep.
2. The temperature gradient in the atmosphere.
3. The gradient of the path becomes steeper as we ascend.
4. The color gradient in the painting.
5. The gradient of the function is a vector.