Gra·di·ent, n.
 1. The rate of regular or graded ascent or descent in a road; grade.
 2. A part of a road which slopes upward or downward; a portion of a way not level; a grade.
 3. The rate of increase or decrease of a variable magnitude, or the curve which represents it; as, a thermometric gradient.
 Gradient post, a post or stake indicating by its height or by marks on it the grade of a railroad, highway, or embankment, etc., at that spot.

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