<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>The degree of inclination, or the rate of ascent or descent, in a highway, railroad, etc.</li><li>An inclined surface; grade; ramp.</li><li>(Physics) The rate of change with respect to distance of a variable quantity, as temperature or pressure, in the direction of maximum change.</li><li>A curve representing such a rate of change.</li><li>(Mathematics) A differential operator that, operating upon a function of several variables, results in a vector the coordinates of which are the partial derivatives of the function.</li></ul><p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>Rising or descending by regular degrees of inclination.</li><li>Progressing by walking; stepping with the feet as animals do.</li><li>Of a type suitable for walking or running, as the feet of certain birds; gressorial.</li></ul>