Gradient ˈɡreɪdiənt Steep Hill Noun Route Includes Cent

• the route includes some steep gradients.
• a hill with a gradient of 1 in 4 (or 25 per cent)

gradient

1. a slope on a road or railway; the degree to which the ground slopes
• The route includes some steep gradients.
• a hill with a gradient of 1 in 4 (or 25 per cent)

Extra Examples

• The road has a fairly steep gradient.
• The field was on a slight gradient.
• The hill has a gradient of 1 in 4 (or 25%).
• The line here is on a steep gradient climbing towards Merstham Tunnel.
2. the rate at which temperature, pressure, etc. changes, or increases and decreases, between one region and another

Word Origin

• mid 19th cent.: from grade, on the pattern of salient.